David Miliband versus Obama, Anthony Barnett

Anthony Barnett — Sun, 25 May 2008 12:32:33 +0000

Anthony Barnett (London, OK): A significant article in The Times points to a clash between the UK's Foreign Secretary and now a contender for PM and the likely Democratic Party nominee. It says that Miliband has "raised questions" about Obama's Iran policy. Miliband takes what he would call a 'firm' attitude towards Iran and opposes opening negotiations with Tehran (at least while Washington does). I wonder. My impression is that London fears an Israeli attack on Iran over the summer. Is Miliband really positioning himself to support this? According to the Times,
"A Foreign Office spokesman later said: “I just want to stress that David Miliband is not confused about Obama’s policy. It would be quite wrong to say that.”

Meanwhile, the Republicans have been quick to expoit the opening, "Mr McCain’s foreign policy chief, Randy Scheunemann, would not comment on his own meetings with Mr Miliband. But he said: 'Obama’s position is obviously different to that of Britain and France. Otherwise Prime Minister Brown and President Sarkozy would have already met the President of Iran without conditions'."

I suspect that there must be a real fear of an Obama victory in the Miliband circle, as the young David has gone out of his way to insist that he does not "resile" from his support of the Iraq war, a decision authoritatively demolished by Obama. Let's hope he makes it to the White House and we can enjoy the inner changing of gears across London!

Hat tip to James Forsyth though he's to suggest that Miliband is right on the "substance" of the issue.

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David Miliband versus Obama, Anthony Barnett