"Relationship",says Hugh Grant in romantic comedy Love Actually, "is a word that covers so many sins". His fictional character then goes onto to chastise the fictional President of the United States in terms that I can only say I would immensley proud to hear from any British politician, let alone the Prime Minister. The 'special relationship' that the two countries are supposed to enjoy has definatly gone sour of late and a lot of people are starting to question it's worth. So, is it time for a divorce or at least a trial seperation??
It is, of course, Iraq that has really undermined what has always been a complex relationship historically. Whole swathes of disaffected ex officials have lined-up to bemoan Britain's lack of influence over it's coalition partner and this is not a new phenomena from the time it has been politically fashionable to oppose our 'intervention' in Iraq. As early as April 2004 52 former diplomats signed a letter that criticised the lack of an "effective plan for the post-Saddam settlement."
Interestingly the same letter also went onto say:
We share your view that the British government has an interest in working as closely as possible with the United States on both these related issues, and in exerting real influence as a loyal ally,"
but:
"We believe that the need for such influence is now a matter of the highest urgency. If that is unacceptable or unwelcome there is no case for supporting policies which are doomed to failure."
(Source MSNBC News)
In other words, it is not just leftist malcontents who question the value of this relationship. America may remain one of Britain's major trading partners but that in no way presupposes a subserviant political relationship. It is in the politcal sphere that Britain has been ritually humiliated by an American administration intent on doing things it's own way; the widely documented obliviousness of American officials to British representations is the classic symptom of an abusive relationship.
Sad to say but this has made sections of progressive opinion hostile to America per se; however, the possibility of a Democratic Presidency opens up the possibility for a reconnection between strands of progressive opinion on both sides of the Atlantic. It is ironic in the internet age that never has the progressive left been so fragmented and divided along national lines. Internet politics is far more advanced in America than it is Britain but it could be a powerful force for a progressive agenda if it was utilised properly.
It's very weakness is it's greatest strength, namely its disperate nature. In the context of rebuilding an Anglo-American friendship based truly on shared values and a fraternal but robust culture of critical engagement it could be an indespensible tool.