Former British PM cancels ceremony for signing of book he authored on War in Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com – Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has canceled a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, for the signing of his book covering the details of the (2003) war against Iraq, amid the escalating fears of deteriorating security and the outbreak of broad anti-war demonstrations, according to the Boston Herald newspaper on Tuesday. “”I’m really sorry for those — as ever a majority — who would have come to have their books signed by me in person. I hope they understand,” the former British Labour Prime Minister was quoted as having told the newspaper. The newspaper commented on Blair’s decision, saying it “came two days after anti-war protesters threw eggs and shoes at him at a signing in Dublin, the Irish capital.” Instead of the ceremony, the Boston Herald, quoted Blair as saying he would give out signed copies of his autobiography, ‘A Journey,’ to the Waterstone Bookshop in London, where the original signing celebration was proposed to take place on Wednesday. “Anti-war protesters had vowed to turn up in large numbers for the event, and some groups had called for a “peaceful citizen’s arrest” of the former leader, whom they want to be held accountable for “war crimes,” the newspaper added. Noteworthy is that Blair had admitted in his autobiography that he did not take into consideration the role of al-Qaeda Organization, or Iran, in Iraq during preliminary plans to invade the country that witnessed massive bloodshed after the defeat of the regime of former Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein. Blair, in his 700-page book, had rarely noted the broad political difference between him and his strong opponent and successor, Gordon Brown, pointing out to his personal life and his habit of drinking alcohol. The former British Prime Minister, who has become a millionaire since leaving his post in 2007, donated the profits he expected from selling his book, ranging between 3-5 million British Pounds (US$4-6 million), to an organization caring for wounding British soldiers. SKH (S)/SR 1