Three international leadership changes took focus this week, spanning the globe from Great Britain to Mexico to Iraq.
Britain’s Blair says he’ll step down
British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Thursday he’ll resign his post within one year, succumbing to recent pressure to do so from his own party, the Labour Party. Popularity of the party has been slipping in the polls and earlier in the week eight junior aides resigned to underscore their discontent with Blair.
So here’s how it works across the pond: The Queen invites the ruling party’s leader to become Prime Minister (Britain is a constitutional monarchy). He or she serves until losing the backing of the House of Commons, forcing resignation or a general election where citizens vote. The Labour and Conservative parties comprise the majority of the House of Commons (more powerful) and the House of Lords, the two houses of Parliament.
Mexico confirms President-elect
After more than two months of protests, allegations of election fraud and a recount, Mexico’s top court confirmed conservative Felipe Calderon the country’s President-elect. He won by less than 1% of the vote. The court says they found no evidence of fraud, a decision that cannot be appealed, but his left-leaning opponent will not acknowledge the win and questions of fraud still linger for some. Calderon’s election stems a tide of leftist leaders who have risen to power in the region recently.
Possibly his biggest challenge will be stimulating Mexico’s economy, as 40% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Iraqi government gains control of armed forces
Leadership of the Iraq armed forces transferred hands Thursday, from coalition forces to the government. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki signed paperwork to make it official, and other military divisions will be transferred over with time.
The big picture
The United States may gain an ally in Calderon but could lose a key ally in Tony Blair. Question is, could the discontent in Great Britain with Blair’s handling of the Middle East foreshadow the November elections in the United States?
