Blair: Economy growth in Iraq since Saddam ousted

LONDON (AP) -- Former Prime Minister Tony Blair says British forces should be proud of their role in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, citing what he claimed is major progress made in the country since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Blair said Monday that the country's economy had been transformed, with oil revenue rising rapidly and significant foreign investment. He also pointed to drastically lower child mortality rates.

It was a rare speech by Blair on Iraq, a divisive issue that came to define his decade in power.

Speaking at a London business conference, Blair acknowledged that parts of Iraq continue to suffer from terrorism and political tensions.

In 2003, Blair faced huge street protests against Britain's involvement in the war. However, he went on to win a 2005 national election.