American Politics Journal

The View from Europe
Where Are the Voices of Sanity?
By Nicola Mitchell

Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001 -- LONDON (APJP) -- As I rode on the train to work on Friday morning, and stared around at all the familiar faces making their usual trek into the heart of London, I caught broken snatches of conversations, all united in the same topic -- the attacks on America and the consequences they would bring.

Over a week after the attacks, the world is still consumed by what has happened. A group of school girls -- no older than 12 -- took time out from fawning over a teen magazine to read the headlines about the growing number of those missing after the attacks on New York from the newspaper of a business women sitting opposite. They expressed their shock at the new figures and debated the issue for a few minutes before returning to their normal childish pursuits, proving that no matter who you are, or how old you are, you still cannot quite believe the scale of the devastation that has befallen America.

But as time wares on and conversations on the train develop it is apparent that people of Britain share another concern about recent events, and that is the role that the British prime minister Tony Blair is taking it upon himself.

In the week after the atrocities, Tony Blair has been proving exactly how far he is prepared to go in order to show his support to Bush.

Not only was he one of the first world leaders to send a message of condolence to the president, but he was also the first to offer full military backing. And as time progresses, it is also becoming obvious that Blair is the one link that is holding the European coalition together on behalf of America, being described by many as its 'lynchpin'.

The prime minister has tirelessly rallied Europe's leaders and urged them to help and support America. He has just embarked on a whirlwind tour of both sides of the Atlantic and received a flattering response for his troubles.

He may not have managed to have been the first European leader to greet Bush in the White House, being beaten by President Jacques Chirac of France, a move I suspect was more political than personal, a thank you for French support which has not always been too forthcoming in the past, but Bush is making it clear that Blair is a necessary part of his military plan -- a move that is making many British citizens nervous.

Every British PM has desperately tried to push the special link between Britain and America, but in the past much of the groundwork has been laid on this side of the pond, but now Bush is making a concerted effort to ensure Blair knows his efforts are appreciated.

During his whirlwind visit Blair was extended every courtesy by the administration. He was given time alone with the president, allowed the rare privilege of a press conference, and then was personally singled out during the presidents address to Congress as America's "truest friend", leading to a standing ovation for the guest of honour.

Now while the people of Britain appreciate the gratitude of America, some commentators are beginning to say Blair is being careless and making Britain a prime target for further terrorist attacks.

The news over the past few days has told of the extra numbers of police forces being drafted into the capital as Sir John Stevens, commissioner of the Metropolitan police has said the close links between the US and Britain makes us a major target.

Meanwhile others are continuing to stress the need for justice and not revenge. On the same day Blair flew to Washington, Clare Short, Labour's International Development Secretary broke cabinet ranks with an outspoken attack on Bush and America's foreign policy saying: "I think we all understand that America feels so angry they want to get somebody, but you can't have lots of planes and guns and ships and make everybody do your bidding."

Short's view is that of an increasing number of people, many whom are afraid to express their views for fear of being branded unpatriotic, but I think it is time more people began making\themselves heard.

It seems to me that too many people are afraid to say how they really feel. Images of the president hugging Tom Daschle, and reports that Democrats are no longer to oppose the Son of Star Wars programme make me wary of the political future. I understand that America is facing one of its greatest challenges, and I also understand the need for unity at such a time, but you have to look to the future.

My instincts at the very start of the crisis told me that if Bush handled this right he could fulfil his desire to restore the family dynasty and win a second term, and with his approval rating riding so high, and no opposition except for the lone voice of sanity provided by Congresswoman Lee, he looks to be well on the road to completing his dream.