The normal sobriety with which our press covers defence issues seems to have given way badly over recent days, resulting in coverage that has at times resembled a teen drama.
Our military representatives in Washington had for some time, been carrying America's books and helping him with his Chemistry homework in the general hope that he would invite them to the prom. Now, however, a pretty French exchange student has arrived and caught America's eye. They have been looking for excuses to slip off together to the stacks and she keeps looking at us appraisingly before whispering things in his ear that makes them both laugh.
Once upon a time, it was understood that going to war as the U.S.'s bagman was done from broadly noble motives, but the tone of The Times especially gives Sordel pause for thought, because it's becoming clearer by the day that the real reason we go to war is for fear that the U.S. won't ask us next time.
Perhaps those of our generals wont to fill their hand luggage with Pentagon-issue complementary sewing kits and drinks coasters with the seal of the president are worried about their Frequent Flyer points, but there has been much public gnashing of the teeth that their status has been "downgraded" (and are presumably all now to be found in Premium Economy.)
Before we get entirely demoralised, however, that it was only ten years ago that America's "oldest ally" was so utterly out of favour in the U.S. that, anecdotally, even French Fries themselves were renamed in some quarters as a sign of national disapproval.
All America really needs is a gal who can get him where he's going. Come prom night, he'll be with the girl who can drive him to the gym, and he always dances with the person who brung him.
Hurtful though it may be to our generals not to be able to spill blood in the interests of the special relationship right now, there's no reason to believe that the opportunity will not crop up again soon.
