In choosing Allies it is necessary to consider several points. The first might be considered their economic stability and relative strength when compared to our own.
But probably the overarching feature of an Ally is that they are reliable. That we can rely on them standing with us when it comes to the crunch. Under the current administration America no longer fills that one essential quality. We are observing a president who considers posturing and postulating more important than actions.
What is interesting is the manner in which the British press deal with his statements compared with the manner they respond to the British Prime minister. Kier Starmer, British PM, has consistently been accused of making U-turns in his policies, as the press mercilessly attempts to weaken his position in government.
No such accusation is aimed – as far as I have managed to observe to this point – at the American president. Yet time and again we find he makes grandiose statements, only to retract them moments before they are about to take effect. Yet no accusation of U-turning is made against him.
He is going to take Greenland by fair means or foul, by purchase or invasion. Only days later to state that he will not use force to take Greenland. If that is not a U-turn I don’t know what else it might be called. A retraction?
In the same series of events he stated he will enforce 10% tariffs on those nations that have sent troops to defend Greenland. Then at the Economic forum held in Davos days later he stated he will not impose sanctions against those nations.
These are not the qualities one wants to see in a nation that has, since 1917, proven itself to be a reliable ally against aggressors, internal or external.
But this is all evident to those who choose to watch world affairs.
