Tony Blair reads Quran, Bible daily

In interview with Observer Former British PM discusses his intriguing reading habits and why he now has better understanding of Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Ynet|Published: 06.13.11 , 15:12

In an interview published in Britain's Observer Sunday, former Prime Minister Tony Blair tried to explain why he reads the Quran on a daily basis. The politician who became the Quartet's envoy to the Middle East said that he also reads the Bible.

He said he reads them "partly to understand some of the things happening in the world, but mainly just because it is immensely instructive".

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He said that he visits the region frequently and that to him the "most fascinating thing is learning about the places where I work". He used the Israel-Palestinian situation as an example: "My understanding is significant layers deeper and better than it was when I was prime minister."

Meanwhile, Britain's Daily Mail published thinly-veiled criticism of Tony Blair over his claims that when he was still in Downing Street he avoided addressing religious issues and is re-discovering religion. Blair converted to Catholicism a few months after he left Downing Street in 2007.

The Daily Mail goes on to note that Blair has praised Islam in the past but was exposed to its militant aspects when serving as prime minister when suicide bombers blew themselves up in central London in July of 2005, killing 52 people.

If Blair wishes to deepen his knowledge of Islam he can always turn to his sister in law Lauren Booth who converted to Islam after visiting Iran. Though he may not receive a warm welcome – she has led a call to try Blair for war crimes for his part in the Iraq war. She is also a known supporter of the Palestinian cause.