America-Britain Alliance

The U.S.-Britain coalition in Iraq is an alliance that has a long history. A trans-Atlantic alliance that goes back to the founding of America. When British Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed a special joint session of the U.S. Congress in 2003 he reminded America just how special that relationship is.

Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt highlighted the bond and relationship between the two countries during World War II. Abraham Lincoln and William Gladstone had a very high regard and respect for each other as America was convulsing to rid itself of slavery.

America, like Britain, has numerous political and economic differences with Europe. Britain has more historical differences with Europe, especially France than America. In fact it is not sure it wants to adopt the new European constitution, or even be part of Europe. America looks down on “old Europe” while gladly embracing the “new Europe”. Many in America in fact resent Europe for not supporting the U.S. in Iraq. The editorials and stories lamenting how America can’t depend on Europe even though America rebuilt Europe with the Marshall Plan and defended it against Soviet aggression for 50 years best summed up America’s hostility and resentment. The feeling is mutual. Most “old Europeans” look down on both America and Britain with arrogant disdain and contempt.

Since both America and Britain are having so many differences with Europe at the dawn of the 21st century, doesn’t it make sense that they establish a more comprehensive bilateral trans-Atlantic alliance? Isn’t a more robust bilateral trans-Atlantic alliance preferable to trying to sustain and salvage the frazzled hostile multilateral trans-Atlantic alliance? In fact why not throw Australia and New Zealand into the mix since they are not really part of Europe or Asia? Both countries have more in common with America and Britain than they do with Asia or Europe.