As some commentators had previously suggested British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced his resignation after securing the peace in Northern Ireland - setting the stage for his ally AND rival Gordon Brown to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. While Blair accomplished many important objectives during his years as PM, he will forever be remembered for his support of the Bush administration's Iraq policy.

As American policymaker?s consider the short term impact of the Blair resignation, they should spend some time honestly analyzing the frayed ?special relationship? and consider what needs to be done to rebuild it after the strains of recent years.

Specifically U.S. policymaker?s may wish to consider that a June 2006 Populus for The Times poll showed that the number of Britons who agreed that "it is important for Britain?s long-term security that we have a close and special relationship with the U.S." fell from 71 percent in April to 58 percent. Additionally, 65 percent stated a belief that "Britain?s future lies more with Europe than America," with a near equal number of Britons, roughly 62 percent, stating that "if Gordon Brown takes over as prime minister, he should be much less close to President Bush than Tony Blair has been.?

Raj Purohit