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Last update - 09:16 21/07/2008 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown treated as warm-up act for Obama By Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Gordon Brown, U.K.  "Poor Gordon Brown," a senior official in the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, "he just happened to visit Israel the same week U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama is expected to arrive and isn't receiving much attention." Indeed, visiting Israel on the same week that Obama is expected to arrive is like being the opening act for the Beatles. There were few signs on the streets of Jerusalem yesterday that the prime minister of one of Israel's most important allies and the leader of one of the most important countries in the world was in town. For some reason, Union Jack flags were nowhere to be seen in the capital. Brown's arrival is also in the shadow of the recent visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarah Brown may be a founding partner in a public relations firm and a supporter of charities, but she's no Carla Bruni. Advertisement But that isn't the only reason for the lack of coverage of Brown's visit. Former U.K. prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair were considered great statesmen but while Brown may hold the same title, he lacks their political clout. A member of Brown's entourage says his weakness on the international stage stems from troubles at home. Last month Brown celebrated his first year in office after taking over from Blair. For a decade, he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, presiding over a period of prosperity for Britain. But when his time finally came to take charge, the New Labor magic disappeared and widely became known as an irascible but tired figure. During his first few months in office, when he was still riding high but changed his mind over holding new elections to approve his leadership, his popularity in polls took a nose dive and has not recovered since. In recent months, the gap between Labor and the Conservatives in the polls has been greatly diminished. Simon McDonald, one of Brown's senior aides and former ambassador to Israel, planned his boss' visit months ahead to portray him as the same kind of a statesman as his predecessors. But again, the timing was bad. Brown went to Iraq on a short visit before he came to Israel, and by the time he arrived in Jerusalem most of the press corps were too tired to report the visit and preferred hanging out in the lobby of the King David Hotel. Related articles: Brown to warn Iran in first ever Knesset speech by British PM Brown: U.K. a true friend of Israel, will work toward terror-free future British PM Brown to Olmert: We're for tougher Iran sanctions Bookmark to del.icio.us   Brown's ultimatum British PM to Knesset: Iran must suspend nuclear bid or face global isolation. One giant leap VIDEO: Israeli-developed device allows paraplegics to walk again.   1.   "Economic Road Map" Is a Term Exploited To Finance Terror PLO-PA 08:08  |  Joseph.E 21/07/08   2.   The new reality for Israel 09:01  |  Natallie Durson 21/07/08   3.   Britain`s role in the Middle East 10:43  |  mark 21/07/08   4.   Certainly not you Natallie, thats for sure! 10:59  |  Michael Durson 21/07/08   5.   above 11:54  |  moishe 21/07/08   6.   Arab Jihad Expansion In Judea-Samaria Is Impediment To Peace 12:37  |  Joseph.E 21/07/08   7.   Pitiful Gordon 13:31  |  Ben Alofs 21/07/08   8.   Brown is in the zionists pocket 13:46  |  David king 21/07/08   9.   The proper way to warm up 14:12  |  Shimon Cleopas 21/07/08   10.   OBAMA`S WARM UP ACT IS TO TELL ISRAELIS TO STOP BUILDING ON THEIR 17:06  |  glenna 21/07/08   11.   Brown in the zionist`s pocket 13:47  |  Cyasher 22/07/08

Read & React Israel fears scathing U.S. report on its West Bank policies Responses: 164 Fearing Haredi ire, Knesset choir bans women singers at Brown session Responses: 93 Israeli officials: U.S. intervention in minor Palestinian issues may damage ties Responses: 87 'Olmert vowed to keep Jerusalem whole, but that's not why I helped' Responses: 30 Moshe Arens: Israel's margin of error is disappearing Responses: 23 Rosner's Domain Will Lebanon pay the price for the prisoner swap deal? What will Obama look for in Jerusalem (and Ramallah)? If Israel attacks Iran, 42% of Americans say U.S. should help (WTR) Why does Israel keep agreeing to prisoner swaps? More Headlines 20:07 Bulldozer driver goes on rampage in Jerusalem, apparent copycat of recent deadly attack 20:08 Rampaging bulldozer driver 'missed pedestrian's head by inches' 20:27 Barak lauds civilian, cop who killed bulldozer attacker 'quickly' 20:46 Tel Aviv rally in honor of Gilad Shalit draws hundreds 20:40 Obama aims for breakthrough in Mideast peace talks if elected 20:06 Morris Talansky: I arranged cash payments to Yitzhak Rabin 20:35 'Exodus' passenger makes aliyah 6 decades after being turned away 20:20 Shin Bet chief warned of copycat terrorists 3 hours before Jerusalem attack 16:04 Bradley Burston/ Ten Mideast traps for Barack Obama to avoid 16:59 Abbas warns: PA forces to be pulled out of West Bank if IDF raids persist 12:23 There's only one Katie Couric - and now she's in Israel 18:58 Soldier filmed shooting bound Palestinian released from detention 18:55 Israel fears scathing U.S. report on its West Bank policies 20:44 Israeli innovation helps chopper pilots see in worst conditions Previous Editions Select Day 21 jul 20 jul 18 jul 17 jul 16 jul 15 jul 14 jul 13 jul 11 jul 10 jul 09 jul 08 jul

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