2008 Woodie Awards
Despite Scrutiny, Insiders Deny Blair's Threats of Resignation
International Updates
Brian O’Connor
Issue date: 9/22/04 Section: News
In an article last week, the BBC reported that British Prime Minister Tony Blair does not intend to step down from his position over the unpopularity of the nation's involvement in the American-led war in Iraq.
Health secretary John Reid said "I think the crucial reasons were really to do with Iraq, his plunging popularity ratings, and a fear that he was becoming a liability" sparked the rumors of his resignation.
After comments made to many British political insiders, many assumed that Blair planned to resign from his position early due to the stress incurred from the nation's participation in an unpopular war. To many, responsibility for unwavering British support of unpopular American initiatives rests on Blair's shoulders, leading to the stress and low approval ratings the Prime Minister incurs.
"Perhaps he had doubts about some policies, perhaps not. But in my view, the real stress was personal and family, which matters most to him" said Lord Bragg, a close friend to Blair. Although many disagree with the Prime Minister, his convictions are strong; he has not officially mentioned resignation and plans on staying for his full term in order to create a stronger, more secure Britain.
Chinese President Hu views Democracy as a "Dead end" for China
According to the Associated Press, Chinese leader Hu Jintao announced that reform within the Communist party is better for politics than initiating democratic improvement within the nation.
"We will never blindly copy the mode of other countries' political system. History indicates that indiscriminately copying Western political systems is a blind alley for China," said Mr. Hu only a few days ahead of an important Chinese Communist Party meeting.
The news came as no surprise to many; since the student-led revolutions of 1989, martial law became a standard, and civil liberties were diminished. Although many Chinese activists hoped that the announcement would contain better news, the acknowledgement of corruption within the Communist party was a progressive statement compared to announcements of party solidarity and efficiency previously given.
Health secretary John Reid said "I think the crucial reasons were really to do with Iraq, his plunging popularity ratings, and a fear that he was becoming a liability" sparked the rumors of his resignation.
After comments made to many British political insiders, many assumed that Blair planned to resign from his position early due to the stress incurred from the nation's participation in an unpopular war. To many, responsibility for unwavering British support of unpopular American initiatives rests on Blair's shoulders, leading to the stress and low approval ratings the Prime Minister incurs.
"Perhaps he had doubts about some policies, perhaps not. But in my view, the real stress was personal and family, which matters most to him" said Lord Bragg, a close friend to Blair. Although many disagree with the Prime Minister, his convictions are strong; he has not officially mentioned resignation and plans on staying for his full term in order to create a stronger, more secure Britain.
Chinese President Hu views Democracy as a "Dead end" for China
According to the Associated Press, Chinese leader Hu Jintao announced that reform within the Communist party is better for politics than initiating democratic improvement within the nation.
"We will never blindly copy the mode of other countries' political system. History indicates that indiscriminately copying Western political systems is a blind alley for China," said Mr. Hu only a few days ahead of an important Chinese Communist Party meeting.
The news came as no surprise to many; since the student-led revolutions of 1989, martial law became a standard, and civil liberties were diminished. Although many Chinese activists hoped that the announcement would contain better news, the acknowledgement of corruption within the Communist party was a progressive statement compared to announcements of party solidarity and efficiency previously given.