Why is Britain so ready to risk all for the USA?

Question

Don't get me wrong, its important to have such a close ally - but why are the British so quick to go to war with the USA when the feeling is rarely, if ever mutual? Also, Iraq. Blair was quick to jump the gun and send in the fleet. Korea (though UN sanctioned) and Vietnam also saw British troops serving.

Answer 1

Maybe because they know which side is the right one?

Answer 2

Agreement has very little to do with it. It's all to do with history and the fact that we are related, not merely a common language but also in blood.

In any case, there's one sure thing which the Brits love and it's a war. Can't help ourselves. If we're not too busy killing each other, we'll soon find someone else to kill.

Right now the direction is against terrorists and such as the Taliban. It's going to be a long hard struggle but we will not give in. Not after 9/11.

Anyway, why the hell should I agree with you? This is a democracy ain't it!!

Re Vietnam - us Brits were not in that war, thank God - a lost cause if there ever was one. No, this time around is different. The USA and in particular, our beloved sister city of New York was attacked by terrorists. They're just not going to get away with it. Also there is the question of the siege and sacking of the American embassy [way back] in Tehran and all the humiliation America had to put up with. Are we going to allow them to get away with that? No sir, we ain't. We're just waiting with bayonets fixed for the orders.

No matter what we may say to and about each other, never under estimate the very strong bond which ties UK and USA. It's history, honour, love of freedom and being a mad as hell with each other. And like Margaret Thatcher once said, "democracies do not go to war with each other". So, no matter how rude we are to each other, there's no fear of a war breaking out! None! It's family. The Anglo-Saxon world where in the rules are made up as you go along. Best way.

Answer 3

What do you mean "the feeling is rarely mutual?" Most Americans love the fact that Britain sticks with us in times of danger. Almost every sign that says "Support the Troops" includes our allies in the hearts of those flying it. America has many jealous detractors and many anti-American elements inside its population. The media may never report the above fact but then, they try to never say anything positive about our own country, much less an ally.

Those of us who care know that, when things get hard, only three nations consistently stand by the US: England, Japan and Australia. Everyone else will wait to see which way the wind is blowing. No, we appreciate our true friends across the sea.

Answer 4

Ignore JJ, idiots like him embarrass us all. Britain and the US have shared mutual interest in world affairs since the end of WW1. Britain maintained a vast array of colonies around the world for her economic benefit but also to project British influence in political and social evolutions within it's influence. After WW1 the Brits realized they were no longer the dominant military power on the planet, a requisite for maintaining it's empire. Having witnessed how quickly the Americans could produce troops, ships, and logistical support (the war ended 10 months after the US entered) they became alarmed and actually prepared plans for another war with America. Yes, that is true. But it was in their interest to ally themselves with American interests rather than maintain an adversarial relationship with her former colony. If for no other reason than American industrial and military capacity could prove mutually benefical. See lend lease and the establishment of American bases in British protectorates. Aside from that we share politically congruent ideologies and social philosophies. This alliance congealed with the onset of the cold war and the Soviet threat which would have enveloped Britain without US support. We still maintian that alliance today in the face of mutual threat to our interests. That's the short answer. Hoped it helped.

Answer 5

Well the UK and the USA have very advanced armies aswell as huge. They have to set an example to other countries. Also they are the 2 probably main powers in NATO( North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) so are the first in a war.

Answer 6

Because we have common needs, goals, and a shared history.

Even the fact that the U.S was once a British colony points to the facts that most of the colonials of that time were actually second generation Brits themselves, so in a way the war of independance was simply a teenager rebelling against the parent and leaving home......the blood ties still bind however.

Answer 7

Perhaps it goes unnoticed but England has a serious problem with Islamic radicals and not a day cycles that a mob cannot be found shouting: "Death to England", or some variant of subversion.

The two countries had a shared interest due to the Soviets and a guy named Adolf. Throw in a little Japanese expansion.....

then tell me what I witnessed this past July?
Either you've been there or you haven't, live there or don't.

Answer 8

I don't care what people say.. The special relationship that exists for the UK and US is important and shouldn't be allowed to fall into disrepute!.

I feel that this irksome rabble who are clamouring for the troops to be brought home now are doing the country one heck of disfavour.. the troops in Iraq are necessary and should remain there for exactly the same amount of time as the Americans - To leave before hand in my view would be cowardly and unforgivable!.

Answer 9

In the case of Afghanistan is is just as important for us as it is to you to be able to stablilize that country,

Iraq? f**k knows

Mr burns, you are talking complete crap, any muslims chanting anything of the sort would be arrested and jailed. It is a complete exaggeration to say "hardly a day goes by"

Yes and 4 men are currently serving 4.5 years for organising it, making the signs etc.

Answer 10

they are the real artists to know more of what's next.No time to explain to the common mass or if explained a handful only will understand what the "FLag" is up to! It's not a matter of risk but quality of knowledge in the think tank!

Answer 11

Look at history... even Winston Churchill wanted us out of Iraq in the 1940s because it was costing too much money.

No one ever looks at history to see how mistakes can not be repeated.

As a result UK Gov has spunked £6 to £10 billion on the war in Iraq... and USA has spunked something like £100 billion. Where are we now with Iraq eh and was it worth it?