Nick Robinson identifies interesting ME move by the Dear Leader

Nick Robinson has on his blog an interesting well informed view about the story in today's FT Blair in secret overture to Damascus By Roula Khalaf and James Blitz

Tony Blair, Britain’s prime minister, has launched a secret diplomatic move to prise Syria away from its support for radical Middle East groups and policies.

In an initiative that departs from the US policy of isolating Syria, Mr Blair this week sent Sir Nigel Sheinwald, his most senior foreign policy adviser, to Damascus where he met Bashar al-Assad, the president, and other senior figures in the regime.

Mr B defying the US line ? What is going on ? Lord Levy not involved ? What is Nick really saying about TB's forthcoming "retirement" ?

Read for yourself. Nice one Nick.