Tony Blair's Mideast initiative

It is too early to celebrate a diplomatic breakthrough that could revive the stalled Mideast peace process.

In spite of this, the well-intentioned host, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has reason to be satisfied. He embarked on this attempt on behalf of the European Union, of which London is the current rotating president.

Apart from aiming to bring peace, it was as much Blair's intention to put Europe back on the map.

The United States could indeed use some help in its attempt to get more compliance from Israel. Blair has coordinated his actions with Washington and the EU has appeared not as a rival to the Americans but as a cautious partner.

This dialogue is the key to Blair's -- so far modest -- success.

-- De Volkskrant, Amsterdam