US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' For Gaza Loses Key Contender Tony Blair Over Arab and Muslim Opposition
The former UK Prime Minister was quietly dropped from consideration after widespread reports and criticism over his handling of Middle East conflicts, including the disastrous US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Blair had been touted as a key player on Trump's proposed 'board of peace', with some even suggesting he would chair the group himself. However, Arab and Muslim nations have reportedly objected to Blair's involvement, citing concerns over his record on Middle East conflicts.
Critics argue that Blair's tenure as Quartet representative was marked by underwhelming achievements in mediating peace talks, while his role in the Iraq invasion has left a lasting stain on his reputation in the region. In some Arab countries, he is viewed with suspicion and hostility.
Trump had initially expressed support for Blair, calling him "a very good man". However, it appears that the former Prime Minister's name was quietly scratched off the list as opposition mounted from the Arab world.
Despite this setback, Blair's allies suggest that he may still play a role in the Gaza peace plan, albeit in a less central capacity. The exact nature of this role remains unclear, but it is believed to involve some level of participation in the proposed executive board under Trump's leadership.
The development marks another twist in Trump's chaotic plans for Gaza, which have been plagued by controversy and opposition from world leaders. The White House has struggled to secure support for its proposed peacekeeping force, with many nations expressing concerns over the plan's viability.
The former UK Prime Minister was quietly dropped from consideration after widespread reports and criticism over his handling of Middle East conflicts, including the disastrous US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Blair had been touted as a key player on Trump's proposed 'board of peace', with some even suggesting he would chair the group himself. However, Arab and Muslim nations have reportedly objected to Blair's involvement, citing concerns over his record on Middle East conflicts.
Critics argue that Blair's tenure as Quartet representative was marked by underwhelming achievements in mediating peace talks, while his role in the Iraq invasion has left a lasting stain on his reputation in the region. In some Arab countries, he is viewed with suspicion and hostility.
Trump had initially expressed support for Blair, calling him "a very good man". However, it appears that the former Prime Minister's name was quietly scratched off the list as opposition mounted from the Arab world.
Despite this setback, Blair's allies suggest that he may still play a role in the Gaza peace plan, albeit in a less central capacity. The exact nature of this role remains unclear, but it is believed to involve some level of participation in the proposed executive board under Trump's leadership.
The development marks another twist in Trump's chaotic plans for Gaza, which have been plagued by controversy and opposition from world leaders. The White House has struggled to secure support for its proposed peacekeeping force, with many nations expressing concerns over the plan's viability.