Well, whatever we may think of Blair as a man, or as a politician, or as a Party leader, we're all agreed something has to be done about the terrorists. Given that we can't do a lot to influence his actions anyway, I'm ready to see if he's as good as his word. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool cynic where politicians and their promises are concerned, but I shall be delighted if he turns out to be a good 'un. I'm with Ben Franklin on pessimism. Churchill (yes, I now it's a bit early for that kind of comparison!) was a real driving force for Britain in WWII, but he was a right pain in the arse in peacetime. If Blair--and Bush, for that matter--turns out to be up to snuff in a real crisis, there's hope yet.

Steve