Professor Blair: former British PM headed for Yale

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Former British prime minister Tony Blair is to take up a post teaching at Yale, one of the top educational institutions in the United States, the university said Friday.

Blair, who stepped down as prime minister last year after 10 years in power, was to lecture on faith and globalization as the Howland Distinguished Fellow, and would start in the next academic year, the university said.

His work at the university would relate to the work of his Tony Blair Faith Foundation, which he is due to launch later this year. Blair is known as an observant Christian and converted to Roman Catholicism last year.

"The appointment of Mr. Blair provides a tremendous opportunity for our students and our community," Yale President Richard Levin said in a statement.

"As the world continues to become increasingly interdependent, it is essential that we explore how religious values can be channeled toward reconciliation rather than polarization.

"Mr. Blair has demonstrated outstanding leadership in these areas and is especially qualified to bring his perspective to bear. We are honored that he is planning to join the Yale community," he added.

Blair's eldest son Euan is currently studying international relations at the university, which counts President George W. Bush, one of Blair's closest allies during his time in power, among its alumni.

According to British media reports, Blair would continue in his role as special envoy to the Mideast Quartet working towards Palestinian statehood, an unpaid role that reportedly takes up around 10 days of every month.

There has also been speculation that Blair could be made the future EU president, a role enshrined in the European Union's reforming Lisbon Treaty that the 27 member states hope to ratify by the end of the year.

However, some members are known to oppose his candidacy partly due to his role in supporting the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Besides his work with the Quartet, Blair has also been busy since leaving office advising Zurich Financial Services on issues including climate change and working as a part-time senior advisor to Wall Street bank JPMorgan Chase.

Last month he said he wanted to help Rwanda's development, following a two-day visit to the tiny central African country.

Yale's Howland fellowship is open to citizens of any country "in recognition of some achievement of marked distinction in the field of literature or fine arts or the science of government," according to the university.

Former holders of the post include composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, BBC journalist Alistair Cooke and late Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi.