Gordon Brown’s Government took another tentative step to distance itself from
President Bush yesterday, as one of the Prime Minister’s chief lieutenants
delivered a series of coded criticisms of American foreign policy.
Douglas Alexander, the International Development Secretary, used a speech in
Washington last night to rebuke what many in Labour’s ranks regard as Mr
Bush’s unilateralist and high-handed approach. Mr Alexander said that a
country’s might was “too often measured in what \ could destroy” and that
“in the 21st century, strength should be measured by what we can build
together”.
In an appeal for greater use of reformed multilateralist institutions such as
the United Nations and the World Bank, he said: “Just as we need the rule of
law at home to have civilisation, so we need rules abroad to ensure global
civilisation.”
Much of Mr Alexander’s speech, the first made abroad by a Cabinet member since
Tony Blair’s departure, was devoted to expressing admiration for the US.
“There are few global challenges that do not require the active engagement
of the United States,” he said, before calling on it to adopt new policies,
alliances and priorities that “do not just protect us from the world — but
reach out to the world”.
Mr Alexander also reiterated the need for a “global cap” on greenhouse gas
emissions in which rich nations need to be at the “forefront”.
Mr Bush favours a looser system of national targets that apply equally to
less-developed economies such as China and India, as well as the US.
The White House publicly maintains that it has been encouraged and reassured
by Mr Brown’s early forays into foreign policy, which remains, in substance
if not in tone, similar to that of Mr Blair. But privately, US
Administration officials are voicing concern over recent signals. These
include the appointment of Lord Malloch-Brown — a critic of Mr Bush in his
previous job at the UN — to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as
Mr Brown’s apparent reluctance to use the language of the War on Terror or
repeat Mr Blair’s fears about the threat posed by “radical Islam”.
This week, the Prime Minister used a radio interview to acknowledge the
“failures at the beginning of the war”, and Labour MPs have hinted that Mr
Bush’s growing difficulties with Congress on Iraq will make it easier for
the British Government to order an early withdrawal of troops from Basra.
Kurt Volker, the State Department’s chief policymaker on Western Europe, told
The Times yesterday: “We’re not expecting wholesale changes in policy out of
the British Government. We have a lot of confidence in Brown’s leadership.”
He added: “Gordon Brown will, of course, be conscious that there was a
fatigue factor with Blair and he will be delivering something different.”
Asked about Mr Brown’s comments on Iraq, he said: “If you use the word
‘failure’ when it was you who was Prime Minister at the time, the press
would have a field day. You get a little more licence as someone new, to
move on and have a fresh start.”
Philip Gordon, a specialist in European relations at the Brookings Institution
in Washington, said that the nuances of Mr Brown’s statements in recent
weeks “give you the impression that he is distancing himself from Mr Bush”.
He highlighted the excitement felt by the Bush Administration about the new
pro-American French Government of Nicolas Sarkozy and, to a lesser extent,
that of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor.
Mr Volker dismissed suggestions that Britain’s influence could be diluted by
the re-emergence of France and Germany, which had fallen out with Mr Bush
over Iraq. He said that “the British-US relationship is a presumption” that
would only be enhanced by “other countries joining the team”.
In his speech yesterday at the Council on Foreign Relations, Mr Alexander said
that behind the headlines of the threat of terrorism and climate change were
issues ranging from migration and population growth to global poverty and
trade disputes.
Last night in response to a question from The Times about why he had omitted
any reference to Mr Bush in his speech about the need for greater
international co-operation, he said that the Prime Minister had already
spoken directly to President Bush. “I would regard it as essential that we
need to continue having an effective and strong dialogue,” he added.
I apologize ahead of time if I'm repeating what someone before me has written/asked.
“...in the 21st century, strength should be measured by what we can build togetherâ€.
“Just as we need the rule of law at home (from what I’ve read, in his home the law will soon give deference to Sharia) to have civilisation, so we need rules abroad to ensure global civilisation.†(Like the military presence that the UK has on the Falkland Islands.)
Alexander, you did not need to come all the way across the Atlantic to rebuke the USA. Visit Sudan, Iran, Syria and a host of other countries and deliver this speech to the terrorists (I know, I know, the Brits aren't supposed to use this word anymore because it might upset the enemy).
To Phil de Buquet, Newport, England from a posting above who wrote, "This does not mean that we dislike America or its (her) people."
Yes it does! We're used to it though, damned if we do and damned if we don't.
Mo, Chicago, USA
Ben Homer
How can it be insulting for me to state very real possibility's? After all, Von Braun, the father of the V2 was allso the father of the Saturn 5 moon rocket. If events had taken a different turn, a European moon landing would have been a very real possibility. I have nothing against America,and it was not my intention to insult.
Stanley, Sutton-in-Ashfeild, England
I agree with Jacqui from Brighton. I am an American Democrat, and I believe that the US can't just do whatever they want on a whim or because it suits them. Bush came into office power hungry and wanting to make a name for himself, so after 9/11, instead of trying diplomatic options first, he threw himself and the rest of the country into an irreversible war which is quickly becoming the Vietnam of our generation. I think that the sooner we can get a Democrat in office, the better. Hopefully he (or she!) will opt for the more discussion based solutions before pushing the world into nuclear war. Love Actually, my ultimate favorite movie, really emphasizes what is happening here. I think that if Brown wants to make his mark and do what's best for the people of Britain, standing up to Bush with his own, firm international agenda is the best way to do so.
Alexandra Roberts, Hilliard, OH
To Phil de Buquet, Newport, England from a posting above who wrote, "This does not mean that we dislike America or its (her) people."
Yes it does! We're used to it though, damned if we do and damned if we don't.
I hope the Brits, and others, have at least read books and/or articles by Melanie Phillips, Michelle Malkin, Azar Nafisi, Oriana Fallaci (died 9/15/06), Jed Babbin (there are too many more to list here). Phillips and Malkin have their own websites, too. Babbin is most recently at Human Events.com
I am sorry that the Brits don’t think too much of their culture. I think their culture is fascinating. I am really angry when Americans self-hate, too. Well, here’s a real hopeful article (sarcasm intended).
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2007320449,00.html
Mo, Chicago, USA
Whilst I recognise that some American responses here were sensible and erudite; many were bellicose and reactionary. Why do so many respondees keep banging on about WW2? Why do they seem to think that it means that British Foreign Policy should adhere to that of Bush forever? Why do they choose to ignore the hypocisy of the US govt supplying Sadaam Hussein with weapons when it suited them and them invading to get oil when that suits them too?! Why do they fail to realise the impact of US foreign policy upon the Middle East? Haven't they noticed that these attacks have all happened under Bush's watch?
Whilst nations can be thankful to the sacrifices made by other human beings in the name of humanity it does not mean that henceforth, complete collusion has to be adopted - or else. The sooner a democrat enters the White House, the better.
Jacqui, Brighton, UK
American Patriot.
Can we get the facts straight please. The US did not save Britain during WW2. Britain stood ALONE in 1940 after the surrender of France and most of the rest of Western Europe to Nazi Germany during 1939-40. Britain then stopped Nazi Germany's Invasion plans (operation Sealion) by defeating the Luftwaffe in the air and controlling the seas with our far superior Naval strength.
To all intents and purposes Nazi Germany was then defeated in Europe by the Soviet Union. The British Victory over Nazi Germany In North Africa in 1942-3 and the US & British JOINT Invasion of Italy in 1943 and France in 1944 was little more than a side-show compared to the fighting on the Eastern Front between the Nazis and the Soviets.
In conclusion Britain saved herself. The US didn't get involved for over 2 years until the very end of 1941 when attacked by Japan. The Russians defeated Germany. The US defeated Japan. Oh and as for WW1 the USA waited 3 years to join on that occassion
Cliff, Marseille,
Please...this is pretty ridiculous. Why are we having this argument over WWII. It is an insult for the comment to be made by Stanley. You're right.., Wouldn't it have been great if Hitler had acquired nuclear technology. England would probably have been immediately attacked with them and so would Russia. I wonder if you realize how ludacris that statement is.
Ben Horner, Atlanta, United States
Well overdue! What a statement and how brave of Mr Alexander. I look forward to a safer Britain and a safer and much more civilised world. I do hope that this turn in policy will deliver and is not just a slogan. Well done Mr Brown. So far you get ten out of ten from me on foreign policy.
Antony Papantoniou, Birmingham, UK
To Jon Carry and the 'Patriot': it is an American myth that the USA saved Britain in WW2. Britain could have managed perfectly well alone. The Americans entered late, only when they saw that the war was going in Britain's direction, and they just got in the way.
Edwin Lutyens, Wimbledon, UK
Thank You Gordon Brown for actually showing the British public that Labour does have a spine. It was a pointless effort going in for the alleged WMD because as we know it was really about OIL. You may have helped during WWII but this Iraq war seems like another Viet Naam which unfortunley we've got involved with. Iraq has been handled with about as much tact as we've come to expect with American military action.
Richard Mallinson, Tonypandy, Wales
Let the Americans cuddle up with their new neocon puppy Sarkozy. That gets us off the hook and the two of them can sink in the sewer together - until there is a change in January 2009 and the US hopefully recovers its bearings.
oldasiahand, Guildford, UK
open your eyes to IRAN, they HATE you and no matter what you say in the UK THEY want an ISLAMIC EUROPE. PERIOD!
Tom D, woodbridge, USA
Americans posting here about the the greatest this or that, the British owing us, etc. are a joke...we have done much good for the world but have also created many problems since WW2 by meddling in other countries affairs for non democratic reasons, hint: natural resources, favorable regimes for our corps.
we have already changed course here with the '06 elections, and will vote the rest out of power in '08.
how sad is it that by the end of this unnecessary war, double the amount of 9/11 will have been killed (plus 50k injured) & cost us close to 1 trillion dollars...& we CREATED Al Queda in Iraq.
we just immediately need to develop alternate energy (for global warming too) & let that area of the world figure out how to live in peace with each other. although, we might have to fight our own oil and auto industry.
A LOT of americans are angry & embarrassed about this mess & this president, especially from the progressive areas of this great country.
phillip, california
phillip, san diego, california
Of course G W Bush is the prime problem - he represents the worst of bullying America. Of course we need close relations with the US, and so does Europe. But the swaggering cowboy image is a real one - not just Bushery. Europe including the UK needs together to work to try to help re-emerge that other decent generous America represented by the vast majority of Americans.
So Britain needs Europe and Europe needs Britain just as much as both need America if the present violent dogmatic ignorant America, careless of the rest of the world, is to change.
Let us Europeans help the Americans defeat their own demons and become worthy again, after this catastrophic interim, to lead the world in facing together the real problems of mankind.
John Pedler, Sarlat, France
"equality for everyone and an end to poverty" - could have straight from the mouth of Gordon himself. Equality of opportunity will always create the situation of a more successful competitor, and therefore someone who is worse off and feels poor. The type of equality dreamed up by left-wing politicians is dependant upon policies of ositivie discrimination against the successful competitor. Ultimately, it will fail.
KR, Stockport,
"By doing this, he will have even less chances to persuade President Bush to hear out his opinions. Not only that, he will turn the American public against the UK.
Ben Horner, Atlanta, United States/Georgia"
Ben, you can't have less than a zero chance of influence which is what we have now, and if the US public allows that to turn them against the UK then that makes them as fickle as they accuse us of being.
Time to stop the jingoistic sabre rattling on both sides and realise we are friends, and that disagreeing with the policies of our respective governments shouldn't alter that basic fact
Homer, London,
To American Patriot in Texas - get over it. There is no proof to say we'd be speaking German if it wasn't for the (late) arrival of the US into WWII.
Iraq is a mess and its becuase of Bush and the US voters that it hasn't gotten any better. The US is only interested in pushing 'its' democratic view. Has anyone in the US actually asked themselves if the Iraqi people actually want US style democracy? Probably not - the vast majority of US citizens have never left their state let alone their country so their opinions and views on world affiars are largely due to the arrogance of its TV networks.
Nigel, UK,
It is about time that someone stood up for BRITISH rights. We are NOT an American state and never will be. We are our own self-governing Island and it is long overdue to be a bit more distant from USA. Having a friendship is one thing but recently it has been more of a relationship! Well done Gordon!
Dave, Wales, UK
"Build rather than destroy" - at last a leader who is prepared to eschew leading backwards and to encourage other to do likewise. I hope Mr Brown and his Government will, in a resolute and diplomatic manner, be able to adopt this as the central plank of their policies towards parties in the middle east who show more interest in "destroying" than in "building".
I note that Mr Brown's Government has introduced this new approach through the International Development Secretary rather than anyone who might be mistaken for "Secretary for War". Also a constructive step.
Dorian Baker, Bath,
Most Americans have little knowledge of history out side the US. Before the US entered WWII the Commonwealth Air Training Program was in place, I was born on such a base in Alberta Canada. The Battle of the Atlantic involving the Royal Canada Navy and the royal kept Britain supplied.
Had Britain fallen before the US WW II entered Houston Texas would likely be called Houstburg,
Well done Brown
History does not begin and end in the US
Dr M Pilon, Ottawa, Canada
Why does every American think they saved us from the Germans. Where were they when the Country was being bombed by Germany during the blitz and at greatest risk. We survived that on our own thanks.
We had to pay (with interest) for all the arnaments and aid that we received from the United States and we only finished paying for that this Year! So much for Friends.
The United States even after Pearl Harbour would not declare war on Germany so Hitler had to do it as part of their alliance with Japan.
It was the Russians and their 20 Million dead who won the war. They Germans lost 90% of their materiel on the Eastern front. It would have been a different story had the Germans not been foolish enough to attack Russia.
There is no special relationship. It just currently suits both our Country's interests to be allies.
Neill, London, United Kingdom
Christine, that's an exceptionally rose-tinted view of things. I wouldn't be surprised if you had John Lennon's 'Imagine' playing in the background as you posted.
Personally, quite happy about this surreptitious distancing from the US government & about how Gordon Brown has started out in the top job. He seems to be a man of substance, serious and credible. Military action on Iran by our troops must be an absolute impossibility now.
However, I don't like the sound of a pro-US Sarkozy government. He seems like trouble.
Safe, Coventry,
American patriot you really have done your research.
Perhaps choose a different library rather than reading 'how to win friends and influence people' and 'A History of the World' by George W Bush.
Maybe a more constructive approach might be in order.
G-UNIT, Chichester, UK
Too little too late then as ever Patriot, prompter action could have really made a difference. As it is the UK saved all of Europe not just the lower part of its anatomy. More considered action abroad and more considered comment consistent with Planet earth being one world that needs to be safer is what we need and less Bushesque knee kerk vitriol - Cowboys is not 21st Century politics
Frank Rogers, Birkenhead, England
As an American who wishes my ancestors had never left Britain, it's pleasing to see that someone has their ideas in place regarding this so called war. I can only pray that the Prime Minister will continue to aide in bringing some sense to this quandry and continue to be the brilliant leader he has been thus far. Quite enough of our troops (American AND British) have died for a country that doesn't seem to care about the blessing it has been given. Well done Prime Minister!
Stephanie Clark, Saylorsburg, USA/Pennsylvania
Most Americans have little knowledge of history out side the US. Before the US entered WWII the Commonwealth Air Training Program was in place, I was born on such a base in Alberta Canada. The Battle of the Atlantic involving the Royal Canada Navy and the royal kept Britain supplied.
Had Britain fallen before the US WW II entered Houston Texas would likely be called Houstburg,
Well done Brown
History does not begin and end in the US
Dr M Pilon, Ottawa, Canada
make no mistake ; sarko is NOT pro american ....he just isn't going to carry on the previous ...blame america for the problems caused by our incompetence ....line of the previous administartion ...french people are starting to realise where the blame lies !!!
french politicians speak loudly about being pro EU ; in reality they will do NOTHING that isn't to promote france
typical is the opening of the french elecricity market to the public 10 days ago , many years after the EU agreement
I have just received an official notification of this , explaining my right to leave the still state controlled EDF ; but it carefully explains that if I dare to change , I will never be allowed to return to my previous scheme , and that this may well affect my ability to sell my property or to rent it !!
if you notice , foreign companies are not allowed to take over french companies of any size , and in the event of a merger , it is only permitted if the result is based in france !!
colin, paris,
There is, and there should remain, a strong bond between Britain and the United States. However the problem is that we in Britain do not always look at the nations of the world in the same way as the United States. There is a much stronger bond between the people of America and their president than that which occurs between the British people and their prime minister and the government. Most Americans misunderstand this and believe that because we criticise American foreign policy that we are criticising American people. The president is only there for perhaps two terms and if he blunders through and upsets many governments throughout the world, as a friend, we should be able to discuss these matters. This does not mean that we dislike America or its people.
Phil de Buquet, Newport, England
I am eternally grateful to the peoples of the former Soviet Union for crushing the Nazi war machine.
I am also proud that my father's generation of Brits halted Hitler's seemingly endless string of victories in the summer of 1940, held on alone and made the Third Reich's subsequent defeat possible.
I am deeply grateful to the United States for harnessing its superb productive capacity to wartime usage and for the huge contribution made by its armed forces in the last years of the war.
My admiration is also unstinted for the raw, poorly equipped Australian recruits who held the Japanese on the Kokoda Trail, for the Chinese Nationalists who fought the Japanese tooth and nail for eight years, for the New Zealanders at El Alamein and Cassino, for the Maquis, the Yugoslav Partisans and the Free Poles, Czechs, Noweigians etc.
May those of them who are no longer with us rest in peace and may their memory not be exploited by the ignorant to make cheap and specious points.
Ian Morrison, Auckland, New Zealand
Those American correspondents out there should just calm down. Brown is probably more pro-American than Blair, and most Brits are also fundamentally fond of Americans.
Of course, this doesn't mean that Brown (or the rest of us) don't have a problem with the weirdo neo-Con flakes constituting the "Bush project", which I guess most Europeans see as a sort of McCarthyism repeated as farce. It was a monumental tragedy that at the point when the Soviet Union collapsed, and the world was ready for positive, internationalist US leadership, the strange workings of your (oh so imperfect) democracy threw up the Bush anomaly. The US president becomes God to US citizens. The rest of us, however, are allowed to maintain a sense of reality.
John Maynard, Cranbrook, UK
British, be careful what you wish for. As a real friend of yours, and as someone who is poolitically active, I can tell you that people like me will not tolerate being picked on by your leaders. Respectful disagreement is one thing, but Mr. Malloch -Brown is picking a fight. He will make a mistake that causes you to be truly on your own. The French will not defend you. Neither will the GErmans. I'd suggest you recognize who your friends are and stop trying to pick this fight, or intimidate us in any way.
Chris, Chicago, IL, USA
To Mr American Patriot, you took your time to enter the war and by the time you entered the war we'd already saved our hide in the Battle of Britain (with the help of some brave American pilots who didn't fight for economic reasons) and before you could make a difference we'd beaten jerry in north africa and I think that without the Russians (I am not pro-Russian in any way), the Germans would never have been beaten. I'm sick of seeing America invade our way of life and thinking and progressively turnour country into the 51st state of america. I think we should be allies but you should stop intervening with everything for the wrong reasons. Europe is the way to look to for us.
louis, godalming, England
I am beginning to like Mr Brown... Good start sir!
Mohammed, London, UK
It is true that military might is not enough for the US to influence world affairs in the 21st century. The US must stress the importance of its diplomats, equal to its valient soldiers. Stress should be given to its foreign affiars schools and language programs.
Retired US/European International Lawyer .
John E. McDermott, Naples, Florida
To the so called "American Patriot" whatever that means, so you saved us during the 2nd world war, more like you screwed us, Roosevelt sent 2 battleships to pick huge qtys of gold from the UK in part payment for his aid, he even refused the UK an interest free loan after the war to help build up our shattered economy instead he charged outrageous rates which meant this loan could only be paid of last year!!. I live in the US and have witnessed first hand the ridiculous flag waving bumper sticker mentality of a country filled with a deep insecurity of itself, no self belief in its institutions and a total lack of understanding of the rest of the world.
And by the way the Russians saved our backsides....
Ian Hendry, Boston, USA
i find it funny that Americans presume that they are soley responsible for Nazi Germanys defeat. They seem to forget the fact that we would all be saying heil Mein Furher if it was not for the 8 million dead of Red Army
Sam, Manchester,
To American Patriot,
Would you prefer to have a bunch of fawning sycophants as allies rather than friends who tell you the cold, hard truth?
That Mr. Alexander has used coded means to deliver criticism is merely that he cares about your feelings - inadequate in my view, but the I don't need to be diplomatic.
Alan D. James, Aalborg, Denmark
"I'm starting to believe that the Brits are extremely anti-American."
Took your time ;)
Mind you, wouldn't you get sick of people who keep telling you to be "thankful" for something they were forced to get involved in 60-odd years ago?
As for me, I have loads of American friends. It's just the uninformed, xenophobic, propaganda-swallowing Americans I can't stand.
starling, Lancaster,
The next step is to tear up the unequal extradition treaty between us & the US & demand the Natwest 3 back under pain of an Iraq pull out
JC, Warwick, UK
What is wrong with some of you? Don't you remember 9/11 as well as other terorist plots in the UK? I hear about the U.S.'s reputation arount the world as being a bully and a warmonger. However as I recall it was Islam that started this war against the U.S. when they flew planes into The World Trade Center. Make no mistake about it, it was ISLAMIC Terrorist. So to hell with our worldwide reputation, we must protect ourselves! I hear everyone talking badly about the war, but no one is giving any other solutions to the problem. Should we just sit Idly by and let them attack us? Now as far as the British are concerned, if you all feel that strongly about it, then simply pull out!! Just don't come crying to us the next time your in trouble. And there will be a next time! Your birth rates are on the decline and you are constantly replacing yourselves with Muslims. How long will they sit idly by with you ( the Infidel) in control? Are you ready to bow down and convert to Islam?
Mike, Ruston, Louisiana
As a Brit now living in the US I am used to seeing two sides of the story, the various comments here in the vein of 'we saved you in WW2' are so stereotypical.
It all goes back to what you are taught at school, in the US they learn that they are the greatest country in the world and they saved us in the war, in Britain we are taught we were once the greatest country in the world (hence the chip on the shoulder since) and how shameful it was that it took 2 years for the US to even enter the war against one of the most evil regimes in history responsible for millions of deaths. Both sides have a point, but unfortunately history has a habit of being re-written in the form of movies which then project their own revisionist history onto the perceptions of subsequent generations. The fact is the US will defend it's interests wherever it feels a strategic need to do so and may at times justify it through supposed moral means, no different to Britain many years before.
John Kench, Charlotte, NC, Ex-UK
It does not excuse the ignorance of some Americans, but it is essential to remember that there is less of a need for Americans to have an understanding of other cultures and languages because we are not right up on the borders of other countries. In Europe, your countries are about the size of our states, which makes it necessary to speak other languages.
It is tragic to hear all of this "anti" language on both sides. We should have a special relationship because of multiple reasons. 1. We speak the same language, 2. we have very similar cultures, 3. We have a common history, 4. We are "related" countries. We are naturally given a close bond.
I hope to see this rift that is growing between Americans and Brits resolved and a common understanding/partnership re-established. I think that both countries have contributed majorly to the success of the other. Let's not kid ourselves. Neither side has been more imprtant than the other. What is in the past is just that, the past.
Ben Horner, Atlanta, United States/Georgia
In response to an earlier comment by American Patriot, all I can say is that we provided the aircraft carrier.
Weaver, Hong Kong,
A history lesson for those from the USA:
The USA vehemently refused to join the Allied Powers in WWII in 1939. It finally joined in in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, which convinced the USA that there was a threat to their own country from the Axis powers rather than just the other people's countries in Europe and the Far East.
US Foreign Policy since that war has remained the same as US Economic policy which is simply world economic domination by the USA to keep (the richer) US citizens enjoying their rich materialistic lifestyle.
Gordon Mackley, East Malling, UK
If America hadn't interveaned during the second world war, they would have been at the mercy, of superior European technology. Under,German or Russian control,long range versions of the V2 , would have rained down on American citys and the first moon landing would have been a European effort.
Stanley, Sutton-in-Ashfeild, England
Some of you really are quite deluded.
"and that “in the 21st century, strength should be measured by what we can build together"
Should it?
Says who?
I'd be able to defend a hovel than be unable to stop the barbarians knocking down my sky scraper, at least I'd still have a building when the day was through.
The US/UK realtionship is quite simple.
We invade Afghanistan, they pay for the Radar upgrades at RAF Fylingdales (20billion I think that was).
We Invade Iraq, they pay for the Joint Strike Fighter and design costs of our new carriers.
The examples given, although dated, are relevent.
Peace is preferable to war, but surrender and appeasement are not.
Dominic, Manchester, UK
I have to say I'm shocked but happy with Brown. Nothing against Americans at all, but I think just about every country in the world is a little weary of Americas foreign policy. I'm sure as a nation we are grateful for a lot that america has done. It can't be denied just as much as our other friendly nations, and in no way do I think this undermines that at all. But just because were allies doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. Hollywood and the American education system tells us America saved the world and will continue to do so. History tells us Russia saved europe with the help of america and Britain. yet our governments have cross words often. Can't we have friendly debate amongst nations?
Cai, Bridgend, Wales
Unlike the us patriot I am happy to have my name published, but he seems to think that they saved us when joe kennedy wanted Roosevelt to deal with hitler during ww2 while we held out until pearl harbour was bombed in 1941.
John Elliott, Bedford, England
All this talk of saving the 'Brits" in WWII is irrelevant it's now over 60 years ago and it actually started in 1939, not 1941 when the USA got involved. Don't take vicarious credit for something you personally did not do, especially is you are from Texas.
For those Americans who disagree please send your thanks to the French who funded the revolutionary war, which I agree you were right to fight, and are the only reason you are free. They paid for all your gunpowder ! I am English but live in the US. The individual people are great, the nation positive but there is a sad lack of understanding that there are other ways and cultures outside of its shores. The result is people do not question and have a religious belief in their country and leaders. The outcome is that those leaders go unchecked and disastrous foreign policy errors such as Iraq go through unchallenged. If a special relationship exists the major benefit has been the “legitimacy†it has given to Bush
Peter Smith, Hudson, OH
In less them 16 months the american people will elect a new president & policy. if they choose the democratic/isolationists then europe & the uk will have to solve the world's problems alone. The US is getting world fatigue.
Tom D, woodbridge, USA
"Build" rather than "destroy" - at last a leader who is prepared to eschew leading backwards and encourage other to do likewise. I hope Mr Brown and his Government will, in a resolute and diplomatic manner, be able to adopt this as the central plank of their policies towards parties in the middle east who show more interest in "destroying" than in "building".
I note that Mr Brown's Government has introduced this new approach through the International Development Secretary rather than anyone who might be mistaken for "Secretary for War". Also a constructive step.
Dorian Baker, Bath, UK
America saved the UK during the Second World War. The UK, under PM Blair, had fought with the US during the 'war against terror'. If it wasn't for the Brits' involvement in the American 'war against terror', imagine how low US reputation would have sunk in the eyes of the world (something that the giant American PR machines fail miserably). Unlike Americans, Britons don't demand the thanks. However Americans can rest assured that Britons have paid back their deed of Second Word War, ne plus ultra (it's Latin, rush to the dictionary!).
Costanzia, La la land,
America really needs to get over itself and it's contribution in WWII it's actions in every major conflict since has spoilt its reputation as a benevolent liberator of the oppressed and has become a power crazed bully boy. America needs to recognise that all human life is precious and it is not up to them to decide who deserves to live or die.
Mike, Basingstoke, UK
Certainly Churchill had something in mind when he said that the United Kingdom should keep the United States as its closest partner. The UK needs to realize that it faces the threat of being pushed to a political island, as the EU begins to seek more of a federalist structure. Brits need to either decide whether they want to give up their cherished pound and submit to the Euro (among other things) or strengthen their relationship with the US. I do not believe that there is anything wrong with Mr. Brown having disagreement, but I think that he is making an enormous mistake trying to distance himself from the US. By doing this, he will have even less chances to persuade President Bush to hear out his opinions. Not only that, he will turn the American public against the UK.
Ben Horner, Atlanta, United States/Georgia
Yes, America in deed save the UK during the World War II. That does not mean UK should ever be indebted to USA and its flawed foreign policy. Times change, people change, and priorities change. History should not be a burden imposed on the newer generation, which should get on with out the big bully attitude of the USA
Sunder Dharmar, Leeds , UK
I'm starting to believe that the Brits are extremely anti-American. Even the BBC dedicated a whole hour to anti-American folks around the world. I guess the only ones who get along, really, are the British and U.S. troops.
Oh well, if Gordon Brown wants to distance himself then fine. Most likely the next terrorist will come from Britain anyway.
marguerite , L.A.,
I think people should search for the phrase "military industrial complex" - the US president Eisenhower warned about the US military in 1961 virtually predicting the Iraq war mess. Its featured in the doc. "why we fight". The US are also building permenant military bases in Iraq and the largest embassy in the World in Baghdad. Doesn't look like they're there for a short stay... or will leave when the job is done.
Looks more like a plan to police the country for as long as they want (note the bases in S.Korea, Germany etc have been there 50+ years)...
Mark Yates, Maidenhead, Berks
This "special relationship" between Britain and the USA is and always was a myth. All it means is that the UK dances to the USA's tune.
Neither US politicians nor, in the main, US citizens give a damn about the UK..
Thanks Mr Brown for starting to get us out of this obscene war.
Max , London, UK
We saved Britain's a** during WWII (you'd all be speaking german), and this is the thank we get !?!?!?
American Patriot, Texas, USA
Coded messages are all very well but what about an out and out rejection of the Neo-Con approach to world affairs?
Peter Berman, Wiveliscombe,
A truly statesmanlike speech from Douglas Alexander. Watch this man.
Andrew May, De Panne, Belgium
If Gordon keeps this up , I will be voting labour for the first time in my life ... (never thought I would be saying that a year ago ) . The man keeps impressing ... let's hope he can deliver .
Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,
I would add that had messrs. Blair and Bush learned history and Geography at school, they would not have invaded Iraq , which they prpobably mistook for Iran.
Hubble, Pagham, UK
"He [Mr Volker] said that “the British-US relationship is a presumption.....â€
Yes, quite. And about as useful as a marriage without conjugal rights. IT certainly has a frigid impotence.
amanfromMars, Seventh Heaven , Global Communications HQ
A very good start. I should love to see an end to fighting and warmongering around the world. The western world needs to seek better ways of proving its strength than it has previously shown by military might and Mr Brown has seen this. It is our responsibility to search for ways to encourage a new response to the changing world to protect all we have achieved and to help the poorer nations to develop their potential, too. Only then will there be equality for everyone and an end to poverty.
Christine, London, UK
He is right, it is the creative power that makes a country great. And we are the greatest nation in the history of humankind. Of course Gordon Brown was speaking in English which must be a bit hard from his native German. Oh? What's that? American destructive force saved the British from the Germans?
Well, well.
Jon Carry, Boston, MA