OpEd - SubScribe14

The commentators 16-06-14

...on Tony Blair

How do they get away with these lies? Now Tony Blair tells us that Western “inaction” in Syria has produced the Iraq crisis. But since bombing Syria would have brought to power in Damascus the very Islamists who are now threatening Baghdad, it must therefore be a mercy that Barack Obama does not listen to the likes of Blair
- Robert Fisk, Independent

I know we should ignore his latest attention-seeking outburst, like a kind parent might turn their back on a child prone to temper tantrums. But it is hard when he pops up to pollute the airwaves and defile acres of newsprint with silly statements. So, once again, we must focus on our former prime minister Tony Blair, who has moved far beyond the point of parody with his latest attempt to absolve himself of guilt over the terrifying events in Iraq.
- Ian Birrell, Independent

Anyone who doubts Tony Blair's self-delusion over Iraq should look at the 2,800-word essay he has posted on his website in defence of his decision to go to war. He remains in complete denial over the disaster he inflicted not only on the people of Iraq, but also on many millions throughout the Middle East as a result of the 2003 invasion.
- General Sir Michael Rose, Daily Mail

Not since Jimmy Savile held court as a children’s TV presenter in the 1970s has there been a more inappropriate, surreal public appointment than Tony Blair’s as the United Nations’ peace envoy to the Middle East.
- Leo McKinstry, Daily Express

Tony Blair has finally gone mad. He wrote an essay on his website on Sunday that struck me as unhinged in its refusal to face facts. In discussing the disaster of modern Iraq he made assertions that are so jaw-droppingly and breathtakingly at variance with reality that he surely needs professional psychiatric help.
- Boris Johnson, Daily Telegraph

The greatest mystery of all is that such a divisive figure as Tony Blair continues to hold the post of Middle East ‘Peace Envoy’. To see him strutting the world stage as a man of peace, while Iraq goes up in flames, is nothing short of obscene.
- Daily Mail editorial