Blair to avoid book protests with US trip

[deminks]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/tony-blair/7971212/Blair-to-avoid-book-protests-with-US-trip.html

The former prime minister is to attend a dinner at the White House on Wednesday evening and will take part in Middle East peace talks.

He is expected to be accompanied by his wife and children, providing the first family photo opportunity since he left Number 10 more than three years ago.

He will be in America as President Barack Obama makes a major speech to mark the end of US combat operations in Iraq before beginning a renewed attempt to bring peace to the Middle East.

Mr Blair had been due to hold a launch party for his memoirs in London this week, which has now been delayed.

Anti-war protesters had threatened to picket the event and publishing sources were concerned that this may sour the simultaneous release of the book in America, where it is expected to become a best-seller.

(end snip)

It's all about money. It has to be choreographed. He'll make more money in the US, so he'll be here to capitalize on the end of combat operations in Iraq. And then come back for yet another meaningless award that rich people give each other.

[leftstreet]

1. "another meaningless award that rich people give each other"

How very true!