Probably the most important issue of his leadership has been the “disastrous war” mentioned in the question. But in my opinion, the Iraq War doesn’t deserve such a strong adjective. Compared to the truly disastrous wars of the last hundred years, this war seems to be a small local conflict, fought by two countries against one (with only symbolic participation in microscopic troop levels from a few other countries). Disastrous wars are fought on at least one whole continent if not two, three or more. Compared to even the Vietnam and Korean wars, the scale and importance of the Iraq War probably won’t receive more than one or two sentences in later history books, if it will be mentioned at all. Responsibility for the war will be placed entirely on the president of the United States anyway.

Tony Blair has been a good leader of Great Britain, and a good man. I wish there were no worse politician in office anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, no country gets a better leader than it deserves. I mean no offense to the British people; I would not be offended if a Brit said so many words about the president and prime minister of Hungary.

Still, I wish that Mr. Blair would remain among the men who design the future of Europe. He is sophisticated, a family man, his speeches are not entirely dull, and he even likes dogs. What else can we expect from a politician?