Misunderstanding is bred by lack of commnication. Perhaps this is indicative of an immature relationship between the new leadership of the UK and the entrenched leadership of the US. UK foreign policy with respect to the US is entering a new phase, misunderstanding will be rife, until the relationship matures. Perhaps also it is indicative of a naive sense in the US that the UK will automatically follow US policy. The scurrying by UK politicians may also represent that a timely reminder of economic deals between the UK and US are not set in stone.

Steelie, TAKOMA PARK, MD

I love America and have several good friends over there but the relationship between administrations like Blairs & Bush's was unhealthy to say the least. Both administrations, but the US more so, are far more concerned about domestic opinion and votes than they are about what may be right for the world. Iraq was an oil led invasion by Bush under the pretext of firstly a WMD threat and when that failed it was all for the sake of democracy. Blair was so totally mesmerized by the Bush administration he ignored all common sense or historical facts and with Bush has created an even bigger terrorist world threat than existed before 9/11. All that is really needed from the UK is a firm stance that we will support each other where our interests coincide but we will NOT go foolishly into wars which have no justification, common sense or moral standing.

Mike, Alicante, Spain

We owe the Americans quite a lot given that without them all of Europe would be speaking either German or Russian. Who faced them and would help us face dark power that rises again? And if you say perhaps the Nazis or the Soviets weren't that bad, the statistics are well known.

Max, Madrid, Spain

I for one have a great deal of respect and admiration for the British Peoples. The USA and the UK are more than allies and more than just casual friends. Our histories run deep and we should always look out for each other and the common interests of our two Democracies. As one who voted twice for George W. Bush I will tell you I wince at times when he uses his provincial casualness towards other world leaders and dignitaries. That being said W. is a politician in the twilight of his Presidency. When he is gone the USA and UK will remain and I have no doubt that we will stand together in the future as we have for nearly 200 years.

Chad Bradbury, Wichita, Kansas, USA

As a member of International Churchill Society of Portugal, I see all this controversy with preocupation because we need - more than ever - to be united in the defense of our common Western values!

Carlos Gilot, Lisbon, Potugal

Well, I am no politician, but if Mr. Alexander request to the US Government to be more co-operative with the world and not be isolated from the world is considered arrogance of the new British administration, then that shows us the standard that the British people take regarding US foreign policy, a shepherd and sheep relation in someway.
On the other hand, I see now why USA is the prime power of the world now, because it can build!!!
Buildings are all over Middle East, in Iraq, Afghanistan, they even send billions of dollars to Israel as aid to help build with the Palestinians

Khaled Salem, Cairo, Egypt

If friends can't respectfully disagree, then they're not real friends.

James, Newcastle, Great Britain

So the troops stay in Iraq, until just before the next election - maybe?

Carl Teper, Jerusalem, Israel

"Brownie" , as Bush calls him, to the departing Blair ("Yo Blair"), "Do I have to pant when I jump up on his lap; can't I just lick him?".

warmapril, Los Angeles,

Peter, if you really think that your future is with Europe, you better be ready to give up your economy and the pound. You also better be ready to give sovereignty up to the EU. I would like you to count how many times France has helped England compared to how many time the USA has helped. I think of the UK as our closest friends and ally. It is not a one sided relationship. You should research in to the technology we have given you and the intelligence that we share with you. I mourn the day that the UK pulls away from the US, and you should too. It will be a sad day indeed.

Ben, Atlanta, USA

Hopefully Brown will continue in the same vein. For starters he should tell the biggest destroyers in the middle-east by far, the israelis, that their rowing boat has been called in for some years now and it will be shot out of the water if they don't now comply. Someone on the comments here has said that Brown doesn't believe in "jewish science", ..... well who does these days? It is strange that EVERY piece of "jewish science" is based on Michelson and Morley, ....... do you think maybe someone has set "the chosen people" up for a mighty fall from grace? The MM experiment is now known as the one that had "an annulled result" and not "a null result". Einstein himself said that without a null result ALL of his work, and that of those who followed him down that path, jews all strangely enough, collapses. People in glass houses comes to mind when we talk of "jewish science". To be led astray is no excuse for going astray, someone should have told the israelis.

John, Dundee, UK

It is amazing that anyone in the UK can still believe in any sort of "special relationship" with the US. The US has only one "special relationship" and that is with Israel. In every single instance, Bush as sided with Israel over the UK. You Brits need to wake up to reality and face the music. Bush is using you and will sell you out in a heartbeat if it gives the least advantage to him or to Israel. Bush will continue pandering to the Israel Lobby at your expense. You have only yourselves to blame when the chickens come home to roost, as they did in London on that fateful day on 7 July 2005 and again just this month in Glasgow.

Garak, Lutz, FL USA

The room for manoeuvre of Gordon Brown is absolutely restricted. Indeed, he has to assume the various political choices of his predecessor - the ill-considered ones and the daring ones. From the Iraqi War to the recovery of the economic system, from the anti-terrorist fight to the negotiations with the European council, Gordon Brown must be able to reform his country by means of innovative ideas, but at the same time, he is constrained to follow the line of business of his political party. In addition, his home country is under the yoke of multiple threats of attacks. The Gordon Brown's first steps at the post of Prime Minister have to be making - in other words, with parsimony and diplomacy!

Emeline, Tours, France

The room for manoeuvre of Gordon Brown is absolutely restricted. Indeed, he has to assume the various political choices of his predecessor - the ill-considered ones and the daring ones. From the Iraqi War to the recovery of the economic system, from the anti-terrorist fight to the negotiations with the European council, Gordon Brown must be able to reform his country by means of innovative ideas, but at the same time, he is constrained to follow the line of business of his political party. In addition, his home country is under the yoke of multiple threats of attacks. The Gordon Brown's first steps at the post of Prime Minister have to be making - in other words, with parsimony and diplomacy!

Emeline, Tours, France

This is just another example in the unending list of the very "special", very one-side relationship between the UK and the US.

The North Americans of the USA get twitchy at the very slightest thing, and the English and Scottish puppets have to jump up and down to appease their master.

It is absolutely pathetic and I like so many people of this country have had enough. We should be building stronger relations within the EU where we belong, and end this charade with the USA.

Chirac and Blair have both left the political arena: In France everyone says that the best thing that Chirac ever did was oppose Bush. In England everyone says that the worse thing that Blair did was follow Bush.. Open your good eye Mr Brown we owe the North Americans of the USA nothing.

Peter GODDARD, EPSOM, England, EU

Tony Blair was premier league . Gordon Brown and Miliband are
( maybe... ) Second Division . Miss you Tony .

Helen Bracewell, New York , NY, USA

Mr Alexander is no more than restating what one would take to be a "British" stance of fairness, open-mindned, "judge each case on its merits" attitude. Unfortunately, American Government at all levels does tend to prejudge most issues against a norm devised by the American Dream [which actually for many is a nightmare!].

Therefore, the problem is not the Special Relationship, but is those who enact it. George W Bush is, unfortunately, still a Red-Neck Texan with little understanding of the diplomatic world.

We must take care not to end the relationship because of its current trustee. The US Election approach!

John Maon, Cardiff, UK

Surely there is a middle way between being Bush's poodle or Bush's sworn enemy. PM Brown can chart a middle course-being critical of Bush's policies but being supportive of America as a country.

anu bose, ottawa, canada

If these anti-Americans believe that Germany and France will make better allies than the USA, they are either naive or subscribe to a vision of a neo-Greater Germany, with a neo-Vichy France and a subservient UK as partners. Perhaps that is what these people understand as democracy.

Dr B. Flaks, Congresbury,

It's all too easy for people with no responsibility to criticize Tony Blair for doing what he thought was right for the UK and the world over Iraq. Far from being a 'poodle' he did his best to influence US policy along more productive paths. Those who suggest that he should have opposed George Bush, like Chirac and Schroeder, are dreaming: such opposition made things worse in Iraq, though of course it brought them political support of voters back home. That Blair resisted such unworthy and unproductive temptation is again wholly to his credit.

M.J.Cowan, Chichester, England

England was fortunate in Tony Blair, but the national drift cannot be ignored. England and the English are not so quietly sliding away from the USA, and from common sense. It is a cultural thing, and the leadership will not be able to resist this. British science is anti Jewish, London's classical music has weakened, orchestras cannot attract talent, and the fads we see in the young of England are about all we see. Government will pander to this, and the slide will continue. This is sad, but there is no point ignoring what this is. It is a long term trend, and the foolishness of the government minister fits right in. There is no leadership in British society, and the trouble is deeply embedded in the national psyche.

SB Lewis, Essex, NY

MR. BROWN, PLEASE READ.

MR. BROWN....PLEASE LEAD!

We pray that Gordon Brown will re-establish a relationship with the USA based on mutual respect.

It is long past time that the British Bulldog should replace the Pathetic Poodle.

Judging in part from press coverage and reports, it seems that Blair's antics, unprecedented in British history, understandably caused/contributed to some loss of confidence, pride and respect among the British public. If Gordon Brown's only achievement is to reverse those trends, his administration may be judged to be a success.

The World, including British expatriates, looks to the British Prime Minister to be a strong, confident and exemplary leader...of such is the tradition...and the expectation!

Garth Rex, Glendale Heights, USA

Our relationship with the USA is vital, that doesn't mean we need to agree with every thing America says or does in the current war situation. We went into the conflict together and we should strive to end it together without leaving the Iraqi people let down by the promises we made of a better life! Our troops cannot be withdrawn, the best we can hope for is asignment to a non combative role. In all other areas of world ecconomics we need to stick tight with our friends in America.

Ray, newcastle upon tyne, UK

"Build" rather than "destroy" ought to be seen as an expression of the new British government wishing to adopt constructive foriegn policy, why might that be a problem to anyone?
Despite the rowing back, I hope Mr Brown and his Government will, in a resolute and diplomatic manner, be able to continue with this as the central plank of their policies towards all parties in the middle east who show more interest in "destroying" than in "building".
That Mr Brown's Government introduced this new approach through the International Development Secretary rather than anyone who might be mistaken for "Secretary for War" should also have sent a signal of constructive intent.

Dorian Baker, Bath, UK

It's about time that this government stopped sucking up to the US and just maintained a healthy friendship and respect. As we seen from Bushes "Yo Blair" stunt we need to take a similar attitude.
This government has cost the country dearly by sticking to the US:- The cost of the war in Iraq, the cost of extra anti- terrorist staff.
All good money which could have been put to better use, Brown being involved in all that of course.None of the worlds biggest problems could be solved without the US, don't forget that they also caused plenty, when the truth is known.

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

Mr Alexander's speech merely reiterated some basic fundamental principles that are central to the democratic ideology. If those are seen by the US and Mr Brown as threatening, perhaps there is a need of a major re-evaluation of the principles we hold so dear.

us-uk citizen, Chicago/London,

Good, good. We should stick close to America. If we were that bit closer, many good things could be done. I mean, we and the US, we're 'practically' the same! Same dress sence, same music, same all.

Kirk, Spilsby, Lincs

I'd rather tha opposite was true and we moved away from being the 51 state of the United States of America and concentrated on building bridges again with mainland Europe.

In fact i'd rather we go for a partnership with China because when the time comes they could help us much more easily in dealing with both the terrorists and North Korea.

America has had its chance and failed; time for the UK to move on.

America's even talking about changing the UKs Visa allowments when tourists visit... nope, they're not playing ball and never have with us - why should we do it to them?!

Mark C Smith, Kirkcaldy, Scotland

Well, looking at various British ministers' so-quick willingness to criticize U.S. foreign policy, on reflection perhaps the U.S. made a mistake in supporting what are essentially British colonial claims to the Islas Malvinas in 1982.

Even then, Great Britain had a difficult time dealing with poor old Argentina. U.S. intelligence information was quite material to the outcome of the conflict.

Oh, well. It sometimes takes us Americans quite a while to catch on that those we have always helped and been allied with really don't like us. But, when we do finally learn a lesson, it usually stays learned.

I'm sure Mr. Sarkozy's arms are open wide to welcome Britain's leadership.

Bonne Chance!

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, S.C. / USA

Another poodle?

Mohammed, London, UK

I take back the complement which i had made to Mr Brown, on the other news story.

Mohammed, London, UK

I thought the world is afraid of terrorism, but in fact the worst ennemy to mankind is the United States and Bush himself. Why in heavens, the new PM of Great Britain was so afraid of antagonizing G.W.Bush that he did issue a "clarification" and asked his Cabinet Ministers to be careful with their stastements and to not offend their american counterparts or the Administration . Pardon me, Mr. Brown! are you the Prime Minister or the puppet of the americans? Have'nt you noticed that the world has enough of Bush's policies and his treatment of other leaders? have'nt you noticed that Bush's own Republicans are distancing themselves from him? have'nt you noticed that the world peace is at stake more and more since G.W. Bush has become the President of the U.S.?
Have'nt you noticed that Great Britain has lost its finest men and women in Iraq for no reason of their own? wake up Mr. Brown now because tomorrow would be late.

Bernie Haddad, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

It appears obvious that Prime Minister Brown wants to try to salvage votes and support in the UK by doing what is most popular, going aginst the war in Iraq. He does not want what happened to PM Blair to happen to him.

Of course he is going to say that he is united with President Bush on fighting against terrorism, as he should be. I think that this is a threat that is certainly not imaginary. It is very real, and the best way to combat it is to go after them and fight on their soil. The UK should definitely know the threat is real after the recent attacks.

I hope there will be healthy dialogue between Bush and Brown and that they will be able to compromise and find common ground. It should not be something that is national, this is a problem that we both face.

Ben Horner, Atlanta, United States/ Georgia

"Build" rather than "destroy" ought to have been seen as an expression of the new British government wishing to adopt a constructive foriegn policy, why might that be a problem to anyone?
Despite the rowing back, I hope Mr Brown and his Government will, in a resolute and diplomatic manner, be able to continue with this as the central plank of their policies towards all parties in the middle east. Particularly those who show more interest in "destroying" than in "building".

Dorian Baker, Bath, UK

“we will not allow people to separate us from the United States"

Might I remind you Gordon, that it was the "people" of Fife who put you in your current, exalted position and it will be the "people" who will turf you out of there if you continue to be as arrogant as you've started.

John A Blackley, Austin, TX, USA

"Build" rather than "destroy" ought to be seen as an expression of the new British government wishing to adopt constructive foriegn policy, why might that be a problem to anyone?
Despite the rowing back, I hope Mr Brown and his Government will, in a resolute and diplomatic manner, be able to continue with this as the central plank of their policies towards all parties in the middle east who show more interest in "destroying" than in "building".
That Mr Brown's Government introduced this new approach through the International Development Secretary rather than anyone who might be mistaken for "Secretary for War" should also have sent a signal of constructive intent.

Dorian Baker, Bath, UK

If an early general election in Britain is in the air for 2008, then this coded rhetoric is purly party political for Labour and Gordon Brown to win a fourth term.

With one eye on the New President Jan 2009, Brit foreign policy will be based on what the next president may think?

Iraq is a lost cause and short of a new terrorist attack in the states, the Washington Beltway is running away from this administration so as not to be tainted with their failures.

However, if a new attack is launched then we'll all be freinds again.

Art Hostage, London,

I reckon Gordon Brown is going to build the new alliance up between USA and UK. What I mean is,Brown is much more cleverer and also sceptical than Tony Blair on foreign affairs.Even if there are some different sounds are coming out around Brown,he is going to make them mute and take the control of this issue.But there is another fact that the new alliance is not going to be as the same as Blair-Bush did.I hope it will be more rationalist and not be in a position that the English Gov't seem like a toy !!! Despite the current situation, hopefully the English Gov't put itself in a position as a futuremaker !! that's what they really deserve!!!

ARSLAN BUGRA, Brighton, the UK