Mistakes, we've made a few

They admitted mistakes in Iraq, they exchanged flattery, they even discussed dinner. But does anyone care anymore, asks Peter Walker.

While some speculated whether last night's joint White House press conference by President George Bush and Tony Blair was a final curtain call for international diplomacy's star duo of recent years, others simply argued that the so-called "Lame Duck Summit" amounted to little more than a sideshow.

"President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair once bestrode the globe as powerful leaders who spoke boldly of bringing democracy to the Middle East," the Washington Post said.

Now, dragged down by popular discontent over their adventure in Iraq, both have reached the lowest point of their careers.