Iraq and the Iranian and Syrian element

The British broadcasting news media are frantically spinning for negotiation and mediation with Iran and Syria in the insurgency/civil war now underway in Iraq. In the case of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme this seems to verge on the actual mis-reporting of the content of Tony Blair's Mansion House speech. What the PM (whose weakening hold on power is now a major hindrance to any progress on this grave crisis) actually stated as reported in The Guardian, linked here, was as follows: He also urged Syria, and to a lesser extent Iran, to choose whether they wished to join the dialogue and become partners in a wider Middle East peace. In fact Blair actually stated the opposite of what the BBC and Sky are actually repeatedly reporting, the relevant paragraph being this: "There is a fundamental misunderstanding that this is about changing policy on Syria and Iran. First, those two countries do not at all share identical interests. But in any event that is not where we start." Downing Street sources may well be spinning in a contrary direction and Blair, a serial capitulator to thugs and terrorists, may actually believe that supplication to these tyrannies might be the best bet to salvage his last forlorn hopes for an honourable legacy, but reality requires firmer action and stiffened resolve. James Baker, is a pragmatist and experienced statesman (the best character summary I have read is in the book 'Voltaire's Bastards' by John Ralston Saul, ISBN 0-14-015373-X) and is more likely to utilise the aftermath of Israel's recent campaign in Southern Lebanon as a guide in handling negotiations with Iran and Syria rather than Blair's 'achievements?' in Northern Ireland. The misguided liberal media in Britain has allowed the defeat for George W Bush in the mid-term elections to send a rush of appeasement sentiment into their reporting. In reality the only power transferred on Capitol Hill is the ability to cut off funding to America's troops on the ground in Iran and Afghanistan - hardly a likely action for those seeking real Presidential power in two years time. This is especially true when the US troops and Generals can clearly see the results of lack of firm political commitment and military funding by regarding the present plight of their British co-combatants in those two conflicts. Blair must go asap for Britain to move forward under a leader who will remain in office to continue with the consequences of the grave decisions now needed.