Blair calls on West to win hearts and minds of Muslims

Tony Blair called on the West last night to "recast our relationship with some of the Arab and Muslim world" to maintain international support for the war against terrorism.

Speaking on the eve of a trip to Washington to brief President George Bush on his whirlwind diplomatic tour of the Middle East last week, Mr Blair said the Palestinian question was the "context for the way much of the Arab world views this conflict" and insisted a solution must be found.

He said he wanted to win "not just the military action but to win people's minds as well." He told CNN's Larry King Live: "We need to win, in a sense, the peace afterward, too."

Mr Blair acknowledged frustration about the progress of the campaign. He said: "People want very quick results. And people are obviously concerned, because there is no easy way of fighting a war and taking military action.

"I think we've just got to explain patiently to people: 'Yes, it can take time, but it's necessary to do so'."

Mr Blair said Arab leaders remained behind the need to take action despite the very public criticism he endured during his diplomatic mission to the region last week.

He said: "Of course, in certain parts of the Arab world and the Muslim world, there's a hesitation about the bombing campaign – will we achieve our objectives, and so on. All that's natural. But I found no hesitation whatever on the essential issues of condemnation of 11 September and the need for action."

Over dinner in the White House tonight, Mr Blair and Mr Bush will plan a ground offensive and debate whether it should be delayed until after the looming Afghanistan winter. Another important issue on the agenda will be the make-up of a broad-based government to replace the Taliban.