Mixed Reactions to Blair Appointment

Working from offices in Jerusalem and the West Bank, Blair's primary mission will focus on "issues limited to the internal workings of a future Palestinian state." Blair will not be involved in diplomatic negotiations between the parties, a task left to U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Instead, Blair will have as primary task to help the Palestinian Authorities to create good governance and the solid institutions necessary to the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. Blair will also face the challenge to convince the Palestinians to recognize Israel right to exist as pre-condition for the restoration of Western aid. Among those living in the Middle East, Blair is a controversial figure. Most Arabs see him as strong pro-Israel politician with close ties to President Bush. They widely blame him for the situation in Iraq and his refusal to condemn the Israel bombing of Lebanon last summer. Read full story