Double standards in US Foreign policy?

[planetmartin]

The US was late entering WW1 and late entering WW2.  As usual they put self interest first, and only got involved when they felt they had something to gain.  They also screwed us over the Suez affair in the 50's.  So why is it that when they want our help (airfields to bomb Libya, bases for Cruise Missiles, base stations for missile defence systems, forces to invade Iraq, etc etc), I'm sure I could think of other examples - why do we jump?

[kempie]

I cannot see any double standard in what you have written - the US does what it wants to, when it wants to. Everything is always done for the benefit of the US and 'US interests abroad'. It is this last phrase which always intrigues me. How can a nation that railed against the British Empire i.e. 'British interests abroad' cite the same reason for launching a pre-emptive attack on another nation?

Why do we jump? It is human nature to get on the good side of a bully.

[paidinfull]

Because the so-called Special Relationship is a purely strategic relationship. And it's not all one way. There have been times when the UK has not backed the US, because it was deemed not in British interest to do so; Wilson refused Johnson's request for British military assistance in Vietnam, and Heath made it clear that Britain's future lay in Europe and not accross the Atlantic. Conversely, there have been times when the UK has called upon US support; Churchill secured lend-lease, Atlee Marshall Aid and NATO, Macmillan polaris, Callaghan economic support for an ailing economy, Thatcher vital backing for military action in the Falklands. Blair no doubt backed US military action knowing that Bush will have to return the favour at some point.

Foreign policy, like politics in general, is rarely moral; it always serves an interest. As Palmerston once said 'There are no friends in foreign policy - only allies.'  As long as politicians and the militray industrial complex are involved, it always be the case.

[jno]

the US refused, rightly, to have anything to with Britain's Suez adventure, as I recall

[charliep88]

EXCUSE ME?whose interest should we have at heart first? besides we pulled your butt out of the fire so many times I ve lost count. Tally Ho