BEIJING, May 5 --With campaigning in the British general election drawing to a close, the deeply unpopular Iraq war remains Prime Minister Tony Blair's Achilles Heel.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair holds a press conference in London, May 4. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

    The decision to go to war is being used as ammunition for Blair's enemies to question his integrity and trustworthiness. However, challenges concerning trans-Atlantic relations will still remain for Blair, if he does win an expected third term.

    During the campaign, the legality of the Iraq war has emerged as a central election issue.

    British Prime Minister Tony Blair faced a concerted attack over the U.S.-led invasion in his re-election campaign.

    The fight is turning personal, the prime minister has repeatedly defended his position by saying that he is not sorry for the decision he made.

    Blair said, "I can't say I'm sorry about it, I'm not sorry about it, I think I did the right thing."

    Because traditionally, Anglo-American relations have brought considerable benefits to Britain. Political analysts believe the Prime Minister had no other alternative but to follow America's lead.

    Feng Zhongping, research fellow, Chinese Inst. of Contemporary Int'l Relations, said, "Britain wants to maintain its decisive role in world affairs, but its influence has decreased significantly. So its relationship with America can serve as a condition to safeguard its status as a major power in foreign affairs. In addition, after 9/11, Britain joined the Iraq war because the Prime Minister hoped Britain could influence American's decision by participating in the decision making process."

    But one question still remains. After all, Britain is a European country. How to balance its stance between Europe and America will pose more challenges for Prime Minister Tony Blair.

    Feng said, "Britain wants to keep its balance between Europe and America. And Mr. Blair worries that if Britain can't have a say in European affairs, America may overlook its importance in trans-Atlantic relations. Tony Blair also hopes that his government can serve as a bridge in Anglo-American relations. But like his predecessors, he may face big challenges from both sides."

    However, compared with former British Prime Ministers, Tony Blair is the youngest in nearly two decades. He has brought fresh concepts into British politics like the New Labour Party. Analysts say with strong domestic support from the election, he may focus more on trans-Atlantic relations in his third term. Enditem

(Source: CCTV.com)