USA - Britain relationship

[kwicky]

Today Gordon Brown visits the US for a meeting with Geo. Bush. The foreign policies of the Democrats differ hugely stating an early exit from Iraq is desired. Who should he side with especially as Bush is a lame duck president whose term finishes next year? Brown cannot realistically sit on the fence between opposite ideals but whatever he chooses will affect Britain's foreign policy in future.

[jno]

The Democrats are hoplessly split on the subject; and anyway, Brown is under no obligation to deal with opposition parties anywhere. He should discuss the matter with Bush and (I would suggest) say the UK plans to wind down in Iraq, perhaps in order to boost their presence in Afghanistan, or just to have the lads home by Christmas. If the US government should change (the elections are more than a year away) he can have further talks with President Clinton, President Giuliani or whoever when it happens.

[Gromit]

Brown will smile, make all the right noises to the Bush adminstration, offer full support, business as usual and make no changes to the relationship.

Continuity for the short term, then see how the American elections pan out, then negotiate with whoever has a 4 year mandate to govern.

[kwicky]

I find it strange that over 70% of American public are against the White House policies; that Labour are historically wedded to Democrat principles and are in tune with the public, that we still concur everything Bush stands for.
This only makes Britain appear weak and willing to accept any decision by the US however wrong it may be. Better to state our case, even in public, or will the US refuse to listen to us. Some relationship!

This only

[jno]

actually, it sounds as if Brown took my advice. Good move, sir; feel free to come back on AB if you want more helpful hints on running the country.