Friedman writes:
In sum, Tony Blair has redefined British liberalism. He has made liberalism about embracing, managing and cushioning globalization, about embracing and expanding freedom - through muscular diplomacy where possible and force where necessary - and about embracing fiscal discipline.
Friedman is a diehard supporter of Israel, which Tony defended by demolishing Iraq. No surprise here!
Friedman once again catches the zeitgeist..... endorsing TB just as the British public is sick to the teeth of him. Of course - Labour will win handsomely - but in spite of Blair and not because of him. With Gordon Brown in charge of Labour the Conservatives would be heading for a total wipeout. By the way - did you see the hilarious review by Matt Taibi of Friedmans 'the world is flat' ? Not always fair, but just hysterical.
I've been reading Friedman since "The Lexus and the Olive Tree", and my opinion of his writing has definitely evolved. Sometimes I read him just out of curiosity to see what he's going to say next. I have not read "The World is Flat." Too many books ahead of it in the queue on my nightstand. I have read some reviews, although I'm not sure about the one you mention.
http://www.nypress.com/18/16/news&columns/taibbi.cfm
there's the link. Very funny, though a bit harsh.
I liked his book on israel and palestine a lot - he was for a long time a correspondent in the middle east, and I learnt a lot reading it.
The lexus and the olive tree has gotten a lot of flak, but I found it a good read, though a bit too triumphalist.
I'm not rushing to read his latest though - I too have many other book on the 'to read' list. Just too many good books out there to keep up.