What's an unemployed world leader to do, especially one as young as former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair?
No one fades away gracefully anymore. Jimmy Carter scolds his successors, builds houses and oversees other countries' elections. Bill Clinton gives speeches for large sums, runs a foundation, and plots his return to power as consort to his wife, whose presidential campaign he's running.
Clinton learned about the pleasures of dynasty from George H.W. Bush, who upon leaving office flitted off to a private equity firm while seeing his son assume the job on the basis of the family name and connections. Whatever happened to cutting ribbons and spending more time with the family?
Making money isn't what makes Blair tick. He revels in the plane, the press (which he calls a "feral beast'' but delights in feeding), and an entourage.
Fortunately, just as Blair's time in office was up, the Quartet -- a group composed of the U.S., the United Nations, Russia and the European Union and dedicated to bringing peace to the Mideast -- hung out a sign advertising for someone to stop the bloodletting in the region.
It's easy to see why Blair would want the job. It satisfies his need to keep his three needs met. But why would the Quartet want to send the very person who helped start the bloodletting?
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