Blair's Iraq war past 'cost him Gaza peace council job'

Sir Tony Blair will not hold a leading position on Gaza's peace council following objections from Arab states over his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to a report.

- JAMES C. REYNOLDS

The former Labour prime minister had been closely linked to Donald Trump's plan to rebuild the war-torn Palestinian enclave, unveiled in September. But Sir Tony, 72, has faced fierce backlash from regional leaders, who harbour deep resentment over his decision to take Britain into the US-led invasion of Iraq to depose tyrant Saddam Hussein.

The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that he was quietly being dropped from consideration for a top role, but could still hold a position on the sidelines.

Sir Tony was the only person who had been named as a frontrunner to sit on Mr Trump's "board of peace" so far. The US president had said in October that he liked the former PM, but still needed to be sure that he had the backing of other states involved in the peace process.

"I've always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he's an acceptable choice to everybody," he said at the time, adding: "I want to find out that Tony would be popular with all because I just don't know that."