In the wake of its active involvement in the 2003 Iraq war, Britain’'s traditional policy of acting as a ‘bridge’ between the US and the EU in relation to Middle Eastern strategic affairs has been severely criticized by those who would like to see Britain adopting a more wholehearted European orientation. Prime Minister Blair’'s grandiose vision of ’bridging’ as securing Britain’'s position as a pivotal power at the crux of alliances and international politics is completely unrealistic.