Tony Blair will not be included in Donald Trump’s Gaza peace council. Arab and Muslim countries have opposed the former British prime minister’s participation.
Blair has been widely reported to have lobbied for a senior role in the interim government in Gaza. His institute, the Tony Blair Institute, was involved in the plan, developed with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Blair is still hated in the Arab world for his role in the 2003 Iraq war.
In September, Trump publicly called Blair “a very good man”; he was the only one he mentioned on the council. In October, however, he acknowledged that Blair is a very controversial figure and that there must be agreement from all sides.
The Financial Times reports that Blair’s candidacy has been quietly withdrawn. His office did not comment, but a source confirmed that Blair will not be on the council (which will be made up of sitting leaders). He may have a minor, non-public role.
