BLAIR: Iraq, N.Ireland and Africa

When President Bush jokingly said he is friends with Blair because they use the same toothpaste, no one made anything of it. It was the birth or rather acknowledgement of what has become one of the world's most famous 'friendships'. Pres. Bush will miss him when he retires this month and so will the Americans.
The Americans know if there is anyone they can count on it Britain, especially Blair's Britain, not continental Europe. And for all their views about the Iraq war they know they are much better off with U.K soldiers there. After all it is a known fact that the marines went to fight and left the 'battle for souls' to the British soldiers, and it is this that has turned out to be more important in fighting secterian violence.
If I was asked to label Blair's legacy I would safely say its a mixed one. My opinion about the Iraq war is for another day but it remains very unpopular in the eyes of many; It must be if it makes Saddam a saint in their eyes. He might have helped in destabilizing one region but his efforts in bringing peace to Northern Ireland have to be recognised. Critics say his mum was born there so he had to do something. So much for wanting to be a critic!!
I derive so much fun from listening to hot urguements about Western politics (never really do because I always join in) because opinions are buit on anything including accents. I think every African should love Blair and I stand to be corrected on this one. No Western leader in recent times has committed so much time in convicing the rest to cancel debts and keep their numerous promises to Africa. Forget those ideas of 'Africa does need donations it needs free trade' that you have read. We won't get the free trade unless whatever we export deserves it, so let take the donations for now.
Yes his legacy is mixed at best because Iraq is very polarising but he can explain all his actions. He 'did what I knew was best for my country', believe him 'if it's the last thing you have to believe.' I believe him. This is not an apology, its an explanation.