British minister Hilary Benn, who is the international development secretary, spoke in New York today to take aim at key elements of the Bush administration�s policy. He said the phrase �war on terror� encourages terrorists by giving small radical organizations legitimacy. Benn also disputed the idea that military and economic force alone could solve world problems. Benn is seen as a potential candidate for either deputy premier or foreign secretary when Prime Minister Blair resigns in the next few months.

“In the UK, we do not use the phrase ‘war on terror’ because we can’t win by military means alone, and because this isn’t us against one organized enemy with a clear identity and coherent set of objectives,” he said. “What these (terrorist) groups want is to force their individual and narrow values on others, without dialogue, without debate, through violence. And by letting them feel part of something bigger, we give them strength.” Benn also said that military and economic force needed to be complimented by values and ideas. His speech reflects a shift in British politics, away from the pro-Bush policies of Blair.

Benn reaffirmed Britain�s support for the International Criminal Court which has been shunned by Washington to prevent US soldiers and officials from being tried for war crimes. He also repeated calls for the Guantanamo Bay detention center to be closed and criticized World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz’s promotion of his female companion.

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