Blair and Straw at odds over US action in Iran

[AGENDA21]

Jack Straw has warned Cabinet colleagues that it would be illegal for Britain to support the United States in military action against Iran. But Tony Blair has backed President George Bush by warning that ruling out military action would send out a "message of weakness" to Iran.

Differences opened up yesterday between Mr Blair and the Foreign Secretary over growing alarm in the US at the refusal of Mr Bush to rule out military action. Mr Straw said on BBC Radio 4 that it was "inconceivable" that Britain would support a military strike against Tehran. Four hours later, Mr Blair refused to go that far when challenged to do so at Prime Minister's questions by the former minister, Michael Meacher.

Mr Blair accused Iran of fostering international terrorism, and said young people were signing up to be suicide bombers directed at US and UK targets. " I do not think this is the time to send a message of weakness," he said.

Mr Straw has told ministerial colleagues he does not believe that the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, would approve the legality of British action, because Iran does not pose a direct threat to Britain. Mr Straw also said it would be "nuts" to consider a nuclear strike.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article358778.ece

[PATRICK]

1. Israel never did

and the suicide bombers keep coming. Blair is a madman too then. I would like to see his pose of strength as he is led to the gallows.

Blair is nuts. If not, his fall is a worse fall than Bush who was born on the moral bottom.

[dipsydoodle]

2. The President formerly known as ****

and know known to be one, has obviously got his pet poodle under firm control but obviously not so Jack Straw. Let's hope it stays that way.