Tony Blair Arrives in Middle East

Amidst turmoil and tribulation on his own domestic front and the announcement of his iminent departure as British PM, Tony Blair has come to Israel to attempt to forge a legacy of peace.... I only hope he doesnt get desperate and force a situation as we had in Bill Clintons final months where desperation led to frustration and an opportunity again for western democracy to appear weak.

Olmert announced on yesterday after meeting with Blair that he himself would meet with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.  "I assured Prime Minister Blair that I am ready to work closely with the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority Abbas to implement the road map," This the very road map that all sides (except the weak EU) admit is dead.

Olmert also called again for the dismantling of Palestinian terrorist organizations as the initial step of the implementation of the road map peace plan, and emphasized that the Lebanese government needs to be in full control of the country. Blair attached great importance to the full implementation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which led to the cease-fire after 34-day-conflict between Israel and the Lebanon's Hezbollah group.

Today Blair will hold meet with Abbas in the West Bank... lets see what happens here !