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n President Obama is in London today with something to prove. His visit to Britain is intended to renew the special bond between the UK and the USA. In a joint article in yesterday'sn Times, the two leaders described the longstanding alliance as an 'essential relationship'.n n n Obama and Cameron came of age in the 1980s, at a time when the US-UK alliance was particularly strong. President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher enjoyed a strong personal friendship, and together they adopted a tough foreign policy stance that was widely credited with ending then Cold Warn and bringing freedom to the Communist-ruled countries of Eastern Europe.n n The article yesterday looked back at the Reagan-Thatcher years as a model of US-UK cooperation, and expressed the hope that a similar strong partnership could encourage the democratic revolutions of the so-called 'Arab Spring'. n n But, over the decades, relations between the two countries have changed. The presidency of George W. Bush caused many in Britain to question the value of then 'special relationship'n - Bush was widely blamed for dragging Britain into the expensive and highly controversial invasion of Iraq.n n And, when Obama was elected, many suspected that the new president was less friendly towards Britain than those presidents who came before him. n n Obama's international background was thought to colour his views - one of his grandparents, after all, had been tortured by Britishn colonialistn troops in Kenya in the 1950s.n n It was time, thought many in Britain, to stop focusing diplomatic efforts on America and turn towards Europe. As part of a strong and united EU, it was argued, Britain could free itself from the unequal friendship and be a counterbalance to American power. n n Now, with Obama's visit, the tide is turning. Obama and Cameron have reaffirmed the strength of the US-UK alliance while, across the English Channel, the great project ofn EU integrationn is crumbling under the strain of the financial crisis.n n n Choosing sidesn n A third group argues that this whole question, which has divided British politics for years, is out of date. The US values Britain as a partner, but will value the country even more if it stands at the heart of a strong Europe. Why choose one alliance over the other, they say, when you can have both? " The amazing arrival of President Obama at Buckingham Palace. The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
n Should Britain abandon Europe and turn back towards the Atlantic alliance? Many in the ruling Conservative Party think so. Some left wing politicians, by contrast, are still suspicious of the US, regarding it as over-powerful and arrogant.n Expert Links
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n
n Obama and Cameron came of age in the 1980s, at a time when the US-UK alliance was particularly strong. President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher enjoyed a strong personal friendship, and together they adopted a tough foreign policy stance that was widely credited with ending then Cold Warn and bringing freedom to the Communist-ruled countries of Eastern Europe.n n The article yesterday looked back at the Reagan-Thatcher years as a model of US-UK cooperation, and expressed the hope that a similar strong partnership could encourage the democratic revolutions of the so-called 'Arab Spring'. n n But, over the decades, relations between the two countries have changed. The presidency of George W. Bush caused many in Britain to question the value of then 'special relationship'n - Bush was widely blamed for dragging Britain into the expensive and highly controversial invasion of Iraq.n n And, when Obama was elected, many suspected that the new president was less friendly towards Britain than those presidents who came before him. n n Obama's international background was thought to colour his views - one of his grandparents, after all, had been tortured by Britishn colonialistn troops in Kenya in the 1950s.n n It was time, thought many in Britain, to stop focusing diplomatic efforts on America and turn towards Europe. As part of a strong and united EU, it was argued, Britain could free itself from the unequal friendship and be a counterbalance to American power. n n Now, with Obama's visit, the tide is turning. Obama and Cameron have reaffirmed the strength of the US-UK alliance while, across the English Channel, the great project ofn EU integrationn is crumbling under the strain of the financial crisis.n n n Choosing sidesn n A third group argues that this whole question, which has divided British politics for years, is out of date. The US values Britain as a partner, but will value the country even more if it stands at the heart of a strong Europe. Why choose one alliance over the other, they say, when you can have both? " The amazing arrival of President Obama at Buckingham Palace. The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
n Should Britain abandon Europe and turn back towards the Atlantic alliance? Many in the ruling Conservative Party think so. Some left wing politicians, by contrast, are still suspicious of the US, regarding it as over-powerful and arrogant.n Expert Links
Word Watch
Q & A
The article yesterday looked back at the Reagan-Thatcher years as a model of US-UK cooperation, and expressed the hope that a similar strong partnership could encourage the democratic revolutions of the so-called 'Arab Spring'.
n But, over the decades, relations between the two countries have changed. The presidency of George W. Bush caused many in Britain to question the value of then 'special relationship'n - Bush was widely blamed for dragging Britain into the expensive and highly controversial invasion of Iraq.n n And, when Obama was elected, many suspected that the new president was less friendly towards Britain than those presidents who came before him. n n Obama's international background was thought to colour his views - one of his grandparents, after all, had been tortured by Britishn colonialistn troops in Kenya in the 1950s.n n It was time, thought many in Britain, to stop focusing diplomatic efforts on America and turn towards Europe. As part of a strong and united EU, it was argued, Britain could free itself from the unequal friendship and be a counterbalance to American power. n n Now, with Obama's visit, the tide is turning. Obama and Cameron have reaffirmed the strength of the US-UK alliance while, across the English Channel, the great project ofn EU integrationn is crumbling under the strain of the financial crisis.n n n Choosing sidesn n A third group argues that this whole question, which has divided British politics for years, is out of date. The US values Britain as a partner, but will value the country even more if it stands at the heart of a strong Europe. Why choose one alliance over the other, they say, when you can have both? " The amazing arrival of President Obama at Buckingham Palace. The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
n Should Britain abandon Europe and turn back towards the Atlantic alliance? Many in the ruling Conservative Party think so. Some left wing politicians, by contrast, are still suspicious of the US, regarding it as over-powerful and arrogant.n Expert Links
Word Watch
Q & A
And, when Obama was elected, many suspected that the new president was less friendly towards Britain than those presidents who came before him.
n Obama's international background was thought to colour his views - one of his grandparents, after all, had been tortured by Britishn colonialistn troops in Kenya in the 1950s.n n It was time, thought many in Britain, to stop focusing diplomatic efforts on America and turn towards Europe. As part of a strong and united EU, it was argued, Britain could free itself from the unequal friendship and be a counterbalance to American power. n n Now, with Obama's visit, the tide is turning. Obama and Cameron have reaffirmed the strength of the US-UK alliance while, across the English Channel, the great project ofn EU integrationn is crumbling under the strain of the financial crisis.n n n Choosing sidesn n A third group argues that this whole question, which has divided British politics for years, is out of date. The US values Britain as a partner, but will value the country even more if it stands at the heart of a strong Europe. Why choose one alliance over the other, they say, when you can have both? " The amazing arrival of President Obama at Buckingham Palace. The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
n Should Britain abandon Europe and turn back towards the Atlantic alliance? Many in the ruling Conservative Party think so. Some left wing politicians, by contrast, are still suspicious of the US, regarding it as over-powerful and arrogant.n Expert Links
Word Watch
Q & A
It was time, thought many in Britain, to stop focusing diplomatic efforts on America and turn towards Europe. As part of a strong and united EU, it was argued, Britain could free itself from the unequal friendship and be a counterbalance to American power.
n Now, with Obama's visit, the tide is turning. Obama and Cameron have reaffirmed the strength of the US-UK alliance while, across the English Channel, the great project ofn EU integrationn is crumbling under the strain of the financial crisis.n n n Choosing sidesn n A third group argues that this whole question, which has divided British politics for years, is out of date. The US values Britain as a partner, but will value the country even more if it stands at the heart of a strong Europe. Why choose one alliance over the other, they say, when you can have both? " The amazing arrival of President Obama at Buckingham Palace. The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
n Should Britain abandon Europe and turn back towards the Atlantic alliance? Many in the ruling Conservative Party think so. Some left wing politicians, by contrast, are still suspicious of the US, regarding it as over-powerful and arrogant.n Expert Links
Word Watch
Q & A
n Choosing sidesn n A third group argues that this whole question, which has divided British politics for years, is out of date. The US values Britain as a partner, but will value the country even more if it stands at the heart of a strong Europe. Why choose one alliance over the other, they say, when you can have both? " The amazing arrival of President Obama at Buckingham Palace. The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
n Should Britain abandon Europe and turn back towards the Atlantic alliance? Many in the ruling Conservative Party think so. Some left wing politicians, by contrast, are still suspicious of the US, regarding it as over-powerful and arrogant.n Expert Links
Word Watch
Q & A
A third group argues that this whole question, which has divided British politics for years, is out of date. The US values Britain as a partner, but will value the country even more if it stands at the heart of a strong Europe. Why choose one alliance over the other, they say, when you can have both?
"
Word Watch
The amazing arrival of President Obama at Buckingham Palace. The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.Word Watch
Q & A
The BBC's Mark Mardell assesses the politics of the Obama's visit to Britain. Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.Word Watch
Q & A
Read the joint statement made by the two leaders. American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.Word Watch
Q & A
American reflections on the 'Special relationship' from last year. Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.Word Watch
Q & A
Cold War: A fifty-year conflict between the Western powers, led by the USA, and the Soviet bloc, led by communist Russia. Eastern Europe was under communist rule from the end of WWII until 1989. 'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
Q & A
'Special relationship': A phrase first used by Winston Churchill to describe the strong alliance between Britain and the US. Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
Q & A
Colonialist: Like many European countries, Britain once had a large empire of overseas 'colonies'. The Kenyan struggle for independence from British rule was particularly brutal, with atrocities on both sides. EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
Q & A
EU integration: A political project aimed at bringing the countries of Europe into close political and economic union. Debt crises in Portugal, Greece and Ireland have called the whole idea into question. So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.Q & A
So the UK and the US have a 'special relationship'?: Yes. The expression emerged after World War II, when British and American troops fought side by side to defeat the Nazis. The two countries are still fighting together today in Afghanistan and Libya. The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
The alliance must be pretty solid then.: It is. But things haven't always been straightforward. The US has always had an eye out for its own interests, and has refused to support the UK in crucial military expeditions like the Falklands War or the Suez Crisis. And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.
And is the relationship all about warfare?: No. The US and UK have exceptionally strong cultural ties, a shared language, very similar values and many business links. The US is the UK's biggest foreign investor, and the UK plays the same role in the US.