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A special form of disrespect

18 November 2009

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Barack Obama’s increasing disregard for Britain’s views is no way to treat an ally whose troops have fought side by side with America since September 11, says Con Coughlin

Washington

It says much about Britain’s rapidly disappearing ‘special relationship’ with America that when I happened to mention to some of our senior military officers that I was visiting Washington, they begged me to find out what the Obama administration was thinking about Afghanistan. It is not just that the transatlantic lines of communication, so strong just a few years ago, have fallen into disuse. There is now a feeling that, even if we reached the Oval Office, there would be no one willing to take Britain’s call.

For weeks now, President Obama has been deliberating over what the Afghan strategy should be — and how many troops to send. If there is confusion in Washington, then Britain’s strategy is not much clearer. Gordon Brown has staged a recent flurry of activity on the subject, from writing misspelt letters to grieving mothers to demanding that an exit strategy be established for the withdrawal of British forces. Yet among our top brass, the general perception is that the Prime Minister has little interest in the war.

It is often as if Brown regards the Afghan campaign as a dead fish that Tony Blair has left in the top drawer of his Downing Street desk. It has infected his premiership with a foul odour, and he wants to be rid of it as soon as possible. This explains his promise, on Monday, to set a timetable for the withdrawal of British troops at the earliest available opportunity. The signal is sent that an exit is not just in sight, but being approached.

Brown’s approach hardly squares with his Foreign Secretary’s assertion, made the next day in his address to Nato’s Parliamentary Assembly, that British forces should remain until the Afghans are strong enough to take care of their own affairs. Miliband might have his faults, such as his obsessive enthusiasm for Europe. But he is sound on Afghanistan where — unlike the prime minister — he has been an articulate and well-informed advocate of the Nato cause. One has the feeling that, if Mr Obama were able to talk about Afghanistan, Mr Miliband could have a decent conversation with him.

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Ruckweiler

November 19th, 2009 6:12pm Report this comment

Am ashamed as an American that the Kenyan treats England with such open disdain. Our relationship is of very long duration, since at least 1607 and the founding of my home state of Virginia, and all I can say is that, for both countries, times will get better.

David Clark

November 19th, 2009 7:02pm Report this comment

Sadly enough, Mr Coughlin, your article is all too accurate. For many many years the relationship between our countries and even moreso our militaries has truly been unique. It trumps even our close and inspiring ties with Canada and Australia. But I would regretfully say that our current
presidential problem will not improve until
2012, when we can begin to rebuild those bridges that the Obamanation so willfully neglects. Don't forget us, John Bull. We will need you when we return to our previous resolve. Dave

Ellis

November 19th, 2009 7:32pm Report this comment

Mr. Coughlin: The ''special relationship'' may be wounded, but it's not dead yet. There are tens of millions of Americans who view our surrent so-called administration as an aberration and an affront to basic American principles -- just as there are comparable numbers of Britons who see New Labour's capitulation to the Far Left, with all the attendant ills it has visited upon the U.K., in similar terms.

For the sake of our common heritage, I pray that citizens of good will on both sides of the Pond will unite in dethroning and throwing out their respective rascals and bums.

Ike Jakson

November 19th, 2009 8:03pm Report this comment

I am an outsider with close family ties and friendships in both your lands and fin d the gradual deterioration of relationships over the pond very sad indeed. But it seems to be a portent of what is to come because Britannia no longer rules the waves. Reading the UK Blogs I get the impression that much of what British politicians are now doing [or saying they will do] depends on where they think they stand with the electorate [much like Obama is doing over there in fact].

The saddest part is that HMS Britannia finds herself in stormy seas between the passengers on board and what their home countries [and the EU] are dictating.

Hope you guys can sort it out! We have our own problems in South Africa. Rainbows are not always what they are perceived to be by some.

rollzone

November 19th, 2009 8:27pm Report this comment

hello. the observations of new pals is right on: socialists. this does not represent the spirit of America, any more than any of his ulteriorly motivated decisions do. this phase of Americana bought its way into leadership, and America gawked as it plundered along. we have applied the brakes, almost powerfully enough to have stopped global warming. our true friends and blood buddies need only persevere the duration; until we are able to realign our politics with reality. when it comes to being a dissed ally, just do not feel like the Lone Ranger. keep working towards world peace.

logdon

November 19th, 2009 9:11pm Report this comment

Britain isn't the only one rebuffed.

Here's Sarah Palin's take. The woman tell's it straight, unlike Mr Shifty.

Exclusive: Palin Slams Obama for Bowing, Breaking Promises

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:53 PM

By: David A. Patten

In an exclusive Newsmax interview, former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin on Tuesday sharply criticized President Obama's deep bow to the emperor of Japan, and charged Democrats "purposefully" are holding back details on their healthcare reform proposals from the American people to avoid an open debate.

http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/palin_obama_bow_book/2009/11/17/287559.html?s=al&promo_code=9180-1

Pat

November 21st, 2009 8:58pm Report this comment

You assert that Mr. Obama is reviewing policy because he felt upstaged! I wouldn't disagree, but if this is the case it surely follows that Mr. Obama is far more interested in what makes him look good than he is such minor matters as the good of the USA, the lives of his own servicemen, or the fate of the western alliance. It is my experience of such people that they are very short sighted. I wouldn't count on Mr. Obama realising anything- and I certainly wouldn't count on him remembering it a year later.

T Wilson

November 23rd, 2009 2:32am Report this comment

As an American, Let England know that most Americans are disgusted with this so-called President's irresponsible and pathetic behavior. Please don't judge us by this twit.

Michael from NJ

November 24th, 2009 11:02am Report this comment

It appears that we in the USA have elected another Jimmy Carter - weak and vacillating. One can only hope that his disastrous policies will lead to the election of another Ronald Reagan.

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