PRIME Ministers are accustomed to harsh criticism from opposition politicians with axes to grind and debating points to score.

However, they do not expect stinging rebukes from former senior diplomats living comfortably off their Foreign Office pensions.

That so many have chosen to come out of the shadows of retirement into the public gaze demonstrates their level of concern at Mr Blair's handling of affairs in the Middle East. It is a concern shared by a great many ordinary people in Britain.

The retired diplomats are right to deliver a damning verdict on America's policies in Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.

Events in Iraq are stumbling from one outrage to another. The June 30 deadline for the handover of sovereignty remains realistic only in the eyes of the White House and Downing Street personnel.

And President Bush's declaration of support for Ariel Sharon has effectively negated the opportunity for Washington to be an honest broker between Israel and Palestine. The Road Map to peace lies in tatters.

On both issues, in public at least, Mr Blair remains a staunch supporter of the United States.

If privately Mr Blair has reservations, then it is time for him to voice them.

Increasingly, American policy in Iraq and the wider Middle East is being dictated according to the needs of the President's re-election campaign, rather than the needs of the people of Iraq, Israel and Palestine.

Mr Blair must not allow himself to pulled along on the coat tails of President Bush's domestic agenda.

As America's closest friend in the international community, Britain is in a position of influence.

True friends are not only loyal to each other, but are also honest with each other.

Mr Blair must take heed of the retired diplomats and start exerting pressure on President Bush to change tack before the crises in Iraq and Palestine become intractable.