July 19, 2007

Blair Debuts as Middle East Envoy

“This summer will see Muslim victories in the region and the defeat of our enemies!” – Ahmadinejad in Damascus

Israelis Disgusted at Release of 255 PA Terrorists

'Syrian officials interested in renewing talks with Israel'

A senior Israeli officer warns that the window of opportunity for cutting down Hamas’ growing army is fast closing

US government condemns Syria for supporting terrorist groups in Lebanon

Comments
As many of you know, Tony Blair debuted as new Quartet Middle East peace envoy yesterday gathering in Lisbon for their first official meeting.  As I was doing research on the meeting an article from the online newspaper Spiegel Online International caught my eye. Here is an excerpt of the article: 

"Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has had a three week break after leaving 10 Downing Street. Not long to relax after ten years in the top job in Britain -- but now he is turning to a position both bigger and smaller than his previous role. His stage is the Middle East, but his official remit is confined to helping the Palestinians build up their government institutions and economy."  http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,495434,00.html

One of things that struck me as I read about Tony Blair's new position is that very few analysts believe his ultimate role will be confined to building Palestinian government institutions and their economy.  It's funny that this reporter felt that this position could be 'both bigger and smaller than his previous role' as prime minister of Britain.  It's as if the world somehow believes that his new role could ultimately rocket him to heights unknown.  It's shocking that anyone would think that his present role could ever be bigger than his position as prime minister of a major world power.  

Another thing that caught my eye, Tony Blair's main duties is to build up government institutions and the economy of the Palestinian state.  It has been long believed by the majority of Bible believing scholars, preachers and teachers that the antichrist would be a known as a financial genius (Daniel 7: 8, 20; 8:23; Ezekiel 28: 6).  If you remember, James Wolfensohn, the former president of the World Bank, the previous Quartet Middle East peace envoy couldn't get the job done and resigned after only six months on the job.  

If a former world bank president couldn't progress the financial climate of the future Palestinian state how will a former prime minister get the job done?  Will Tony Blair turn out to be a financial genius who will turn the Palestinian state around leading to a more progressive role that will lead to Middle East peace?

Of course, I could be reading things into a situation that really doesn't exist but that wouldn't be the first time. Certainly, within the next six months, Tony Blair may throw up his hands in frustration and resign as the previous official did.  That would indeed solve a lot of speculation and in my opinion eliminate him from consideration.  

It will be interesting to see the direction this appointment will take.