Listening to all this stuff about how Tony Blair is a moderating influence on Washington, I've been feeling there is a passage in a book it reminds me of. Here it is. From the Lord of the Rings. Saruman is speaking:

"A new Power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us...This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join with that Power...There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand, and there will be rich reward for those that aided it.

As the Power grows, its proved friends will also grow; and the Wise, such as you and I, may with patience come at last to direct its courses, to control it. We can bide our time, we can keep our thoughts in our hearts, deploring maybe evils done by the way, but approving the high and ultimate purpose."