Obama to Focus on U.S.-UK Security

Obama to Focus on U.S.-UK Security

In discussions with British Prime Minister David Cameron and a speech to both houses of the UK parliament, President Barack Obama is expected to focus on matters of mutual state security, including troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan (Guardian). Analysts say the president's speech will pay tribute to the transatlantic alliance and discuss its role in the twenty-first century. Aides have described today's address as a cornerstone of the president's four-nation European trip (CNN), and a moment where Obama will describe how the United States and Britain share the "particular burdens for global security."

Ahead of the bilateral talks, British Foreign Secretary William Hague stressed there were "no fundamental differences" between the United States and Britain (FT) on foreign policy. Hague said the UK was satisfied with the U.S. contribution to the NATO campaign in Libya, despite some grumbling from the British military, and noted talks would center on increasing the pressure on the Qaddafi regime.

Prior reporting also indicated that the UK and the United States are expected to launch a joint national security strategy board (Reuters) to evaluate long-term security threats. Officials say the body will be headed by the U.S. and British national security advisers, Tom Donilon and Peter Ricketts, respectively.

Analysis

This editorial for the Financial Times suggests that President Obama's visit highlights the strategic decisions facing the United Kingdom, and that while the two countries' interests coincide, their priorities diverge.

Obama's European trip will aim to reassure European allies about transatlantic ties and forge consensus on supporting and sustaining democratic reforms in the Middle East, says CFR's Charles Kupchan.

Multimedia

This interactive guide from the Guardian details Obama's itinerary in London, his other international travels, and previous visits to Britain by U.S. presidents.