Falklands

[tibilicus]

All of this rather indicates NO special relationship; in which case we should begin withdrawing troops from Afganistan and getting them winter gear. If America isn't going to at least stay out of this squabble (note that I'm not asking for support) then we should vcertainly no be offering military support to America.

Alliance implies repriscocity, of which there has been none for about 20 years.

I would say longer than 20 years, about the only time it was good was the Reagan Thatcher relationship. Remember the so-called "special relationship" of Super Mac and JFK? Our so called allies were funding and encouraging the tensions which would lead to the formation in the future of the IRA because JFK felt some personal attachment to his "homeland". You know, being so in touch with his Irish heritage and everything.

Point being I see the relationship as a result of Britain's declining status in the 1950's, the Yanks stated they would help us if we opened up the remaining colonies we had post war so they could get in on the cash without paying any upkeep. Then along came Suez which would become synonymous for meaning "you don't start a war unless we say you can". Although I'm pretty certain they kicked up a stink when we and the rest of Europe wouldn't let them use our airfields during the Yom-Kippur war to give israel aid (I think it was that war).

Basically I personally think that even if you can justify there being a need for a "special relationship" at some point in time, which I can't, I really feel there's no need for one now, especially when we could be co-operating more with our European neighbours.