Human_Error
10-10-2005, 11:39 AM
Washington, D.C.): For nearly a century, the United States has had no more militarily potent and reliable ally than the United Kingdom. From the First World War to the current conflict in Iraq, the U.S. and U.K. have operated intimately and with unprecedented success in numerous theaters under diverse conditions.
Over these past nine decades, much more than the security of both nations has been assured by this closest of ties, known as the "special relationship." It is no exaggeration to say that the world has been a far freer and safer place because of it.
In all likelihood, moreover, the future safety of these two democratic allies, and a great many besides, will be determined by the viability of their partnership at the strategic and military levels. Just as British participation in American-led campaigns has been indispensable in the past, so it will surely be in the future.
Trouble Ahead
Citizens on both sides of the "pond," therefore must view with the greatest of concern what is, arguably, the most significant development in the history of the special relationship: a largely stealthy, or at least unpublicized, yet systematic move by the United Kingdom to integrate its armed forces with those of the European Union. The cumulative effect of this endeavor, if brought to fruition, cannot be overstated. In the future, it will become extraordinarily difficult - if not, as a practical matter impossible - for the UK to fight without permission from the EU. Even then, it will be problematic whether British forces will be able ever again to fight effectively alongside the US.
MORE (http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/index.jsp?section=papers&code=05-D_48)
Over these past nine decades, much more than the security of both nations has been assured by this closest of ties, known as the "special relationship." It is no exaggeration to say that the world has been a far freer and safer place because of it.
In all likelihood, moreover, the future safety of these two democratic allies, and a great many besides, will be determined by the viability of their partnership at the strategic and military levels. Just as British participation in American-led campaigns has been indispensable in the past, so it will surely be in the future.
Trouble Ahead
Citizens on both sides of the "pond," therefore must view with the greatest of concern what is, arguably, the most significant development in the history of the special relationship: a largely stealthy, or at least unpublicized, yet systematic move by the United Kingdom to integrate its armed forces with those of the European Union. The cumulative effect of this endeavor, if brought to fruition, cannot be overstated. In the future, it will become extraordinarily difficult - if not, as a practical matter impossible - for the UK to fight without permission from the EU. Even then, it will be problematic whether British forces will be able ever again to fight effectively alongside the US.
MORE (http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/index.jsp?section=papers&code=05-D_48)