Jack Straw should not be blamed for the "ham-fisted" approach to Iraq's reconstruction, Robin Cook has argued.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Cook, who preceded Straw as foreign secretary, argued that the post-war difficulties were a "tragedy" for Tony Blair.

"I think Jack has a very difficult hand to play and has played it with great skill," he said.

"He has been impeccable in making sure that he reported to the Commons and consulted MPs. I think under all the circumstances he has done as well as anybody could."

"As the world knows, a lot of the driving decisions on this area have been made in Downing Street," he added.

"The decision to support Bush on the invasion of Iraq was made in Downing Street."

Cook, who resigned over the war, also called on the prime minister to forge links with Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.