Airstrip One

Blair appears to be reinvigorating the European branch of his foreign policy. Now that the Bush administration can no longer take a tough line over issues of European defence, Blair appears to be supporting the development of an EU military force independent of NATO, according to a report in Der Spiegel.

However, as there is no official announcement, this may be an attempt to set the agenda and give the impression that the defence policy has gained new impetus. Treat with caution.