President
Obama and Prime Minister Cameron play ping-pong at a
special
school in Britain: Is it true what they say - that the U.S. and
Britain
are two nations separated by the same language?
Izvestia, Russia
U.S. and Britain: Speaking
English - But Not the Same English
"For
over two years, Britain has felt humiliated and insulted. All because of the 44th
president of the United States. Britain complains that he's forgotten the 'special
relationship' between the two countries, which was established during the Great
War by Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt."
For over two years, Britain
has felt humiliated and insulted. All because of the 44th president of the
United States. The Albion
complains that he's forgotten the “special relationship” between the two
countries, which was established during the Great War by Winston Churchill and
Franklin Roosevelt. Yet London considers this to be the cornerstone of its
policies and is doing everything it can to preserve it. Which was the country
that immediately supported the Iraq invasion and also dispatched its troops
there? Who is America's closest ally in Afghanistan, where thousands of British
troops have been killed?
Barack Obama administered the
first cold shower on the British just after he moved into the White House. He
ordered the bust of Churchill removed from the Oval Office. Was this an
allusion to the fact that the “special relationship” had come to an end? These
fears were solidified during the trip overseas by former Prime Minister Gordon
Brown. The U.S. president didn't dine with him, and upon parting, presented his
guest with a not-so-royal gift: a couple of dozen DVDs that aren't even suitable
for use in the United Kingdom. And a year ago, in connection to the gigantic
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Obama began his assault on British Petroleum
(BP). London newspapers immediately began writing that the American president was
deliberately destroying the oil giant and depriving tens of thousands of
English people of their jobs and pensions.
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
But official London's greatest
dissatisfaction has to do with Barack Obama’s foreign policy priorities: He pays
more attention to Asia and the Middle East than Europe, and in particular, the
United Kingdom. One British newspaper even called Obama “anti-British.” And documents
disclosed by WikiLeaks talk of London’s “paranoia” about the “special
relationship” with the United States.
Some radicals are threatening
to make the visit of their high-ranking American guest “nightmarish.” That's
why, again, as they did just a month ago for Prince William’s wedding, police
have suspended the vacations of thousands of “bobbies” as well as plain clothes
officers, who will patrol the British capitol.
It's unlikely that the
“agitators” will cloud the visit, which should be a bright and colorful affair.
On May 24, Obama and his spouse Michelle will be met at the airport by Prince
Charles. The guests will then head to Buckingham Palace accompanied by volleys
of fireworks. In the evening, the Queen is throwing a banquet in their honor. And
all three days, the Obamas will live in the monarch’s residence …
The celebration isn't surprising,
since this is Barack Obama’s first state visit to Europe. True, the Queen met
with the presidential couple in London two years ago. At the time, the U.S. first
lady did something that went down in history: breaking all protocols and traditions,
she hugged Her Majesty - a monarch that one is not supposed to touch.
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
By the way, Elizabeth II, who
ascended the throne back in 1952, has seen 12 American presidents come and go. And
she received each one, with the exception of Lyndon Johnson. Although the previous
White House occupant, George W. Bush, hadn't been there since 2003.
“We're very pleased to
welcome Barack Obama” said the Buckingham Palace spokesperson. White House
press secretary Jay Carney also radiated optimist: “This visit shows the importance
of our close relationship.” [translated quotes].
But given the circumstances,
aren't such beautiful words inevitable? The writer heard this opinion voiced by
a number of London political analysts. They point out that the main events will
take place not at Buckingham Palace, but at the prime minister’s residence on
Downing Street. David Cameron and his associates are intent steering talks with
the U.S. president toward greater coordination of their joint actions. First
and foremost, political and military actions. How do we respond to the profound
upheaval in the Arab world? What to do with Qaddafi? How to cooperate in
Afghanistan and Iraq?
The
Obamas pose with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, May 24.
Those surrounding the British
prime minister believe that the conversation won't bypass the issue of Russia. Apparently,
they will discuss plans for deploying U.S. strategic missile installations in
Europe - and Moscow’s reaction. Another plausible theme will be - oil. Will the
conversation be about “re-setting” relations with our country? Of course, the
agenda of the talks at Downing Street will have its limits. But it's extremely
important that the Russia question not be excluded.
Will London successfully “re-educate”
Barack Obama during his trip along the Thames? Judging by the circumstances,
the “special relationship” is unlikely to return to normal.
