Today's New York Times reports that President Bush and Secretary Rice want Tony Blair to become special envoy to the Middle East when he steps down next week as Prime Minister of Britain. He would represent the so-called "Quartet" -- the US, UN, European Union and Russia. Only Russia is said to be "grumbling" about the idea, but is not expected to block the appointment if Blair accepts. What about the countries of the Middle East itself? Graham Usher, former Palestine correspondent for the Economist, is contributing editor to Middle East Report.
KCRW
