Not that I'm a fan of Tony Blair

But can we get Bush to be his lapdog just now?

"We deeply regret the loss of innocent life in the Lebanon and Israel," [Prime Minister Blair] said, standing alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki after talks in Downing Street.

"At some point in the next few days I hope we can say very clearly what our plan is to bring about the immediate end of hostilities."

Mr Blair said: "I want to make one thing very clear - we are working very hard to put in place a plan that will allow the immediate cessation of hostilities. Of course we are all concerned to see this on both sides.

"It's important that it happens because what's occurring at the present time in the Lebanon is a catastrophe. It's damaging that country and its fragile democracy but it's important we deal with the reasons why this conflict has come about."

But he stressed: "If it is to stop it has to stop on both sides."

Mr Blair continued: "What is needed first of all is a short-term plan to bring the hostilities to an end. Long term there is only one solution in this and that is to sort out the underlying reasons why this has come about."

He said that would involve a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian question but "equally to make sure those in the region who want to de-stabilise stop de-stabilising whether it's in Iraq, Lebanon or Palestine or anywhere else in the region".

Mr Blair insisted: "I want the killing to stop. I want the killing to stop on both sides, but it's not going to happen on both sides unless we have a plan to make it."

I have not heard that kind of language, about "killing," "regrets," or even a "solution," from Bush, Rice, or Bolton. Rice and Bolton have specifically rejected any "short-term plan to bring the hostilities to an end." Even Tony Snow can only talk in terms of abstractions and blame.

Holden is right. Bush is a warmonger. He loves the killing field. The only thing I don't understand, is why.