British PM Blair Resigns – What Next for the Special Relationship?
As some commentators had previously suggested British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced his resignation after securing the peace in Northern Ireland – setting the stage for his ally AND rival Gordon Brown to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. While Blair accomplished many important objectives during his years as PM, he will forever be remembered for his support of the Bush Administrations Iraq policy.
As American policymaker’s consider the short term impact of the Blair resignation, they should spend some time honestly analyzing the frayed “special relationship” and consider what needs to be done to rebuild it after the strains of recent years.
Specifically U.S. policymaker’s may wish to consider that a June 2006 Populus for The Times poll showed that the number of Britons who agreed that “it is important for Britain’s long-term security that we have a close and special relationship with the U.S.” fell from 71 percent in April to 58 percent. Additionally, 65 percent stated a belief that “Britain’s future lies more with Europe than America,” with a near equal number of Britons, roughly 62 percent, stating that “if Gordon Brown takes over as prime minister, he should be much less close to President Bush than Tony Blair has been.”
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Perhaps it’s a bit cheeky, but has anyone inquired whether the soon to be ex-PM received an irate private call from Her Majesty after her return from the States?
Naturally, I’m not suggesting she demanded his resignation–nobody seriously contends that the British Royals wield anything but moral authority. But the Queen’s tense visit with the Pres was arguably emblematic of an increasingly ill-fitting Anglo-American partnership which seems to cause Britons shame and discomfort. Indeed, reports of the resignation in all the major papers cite disconcerting numbers consistent with Raj’s comments above.
If I had an ear in Whitehall, though, I’d remind our Old World cousins that you don’t win friendship or influence by breaking off dialogue. To the contrary, as the recent Iraq Study Group report and the advice of every European diplomat has emphasized, engagement is the essence of diplomacy. Rather than pulling back, Gordon Brown should rekindle the Anglo-American alliance with continued loyalty, seamless cooperation, and the constructive criticism only an unwavering ally can provide.
Comment on May 10, 2007 @ 6:05 am