News
Obama and Cameron: Both US and UK commited to mission in Afghanistan
The White House lavished Cameron with all the pomp and pageantry of a state visit as the two allies aimed stressed their unity in dealing with hot spots like Iran, Syria and Afghanistan. At a welcoming ceremony, military bands and a large crowd were arrayed before Obama and Cameron, with Vice President Joe Biden and top administration officials including Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton standing for a 19-gun salute and the national anthems of both nations.
Amid concerns in Britain that U.S. focus is drifting toward East Asia, Obama sought to reassure the British leader with a fancy White House dinner and a warm and personal show of support.
Despite the rapid rise of China and other emerging economic powers, Cameron said the U.S. and Britain remain one another’s most significant international partners.
“Yes, the world is changing at a faster rate than ever before,” he said. “But one thing remains unchanged: the ceaseless back and forth between our two nations of ideas, friendship, business and shared endeavor.”
Both leaders had strong words on Syria, where the government of President Bashar Assad is accused of killing some 7,500 people during a year-long uprising.
They made clear, however, that the did not favor outside military action. Obama suggested that premature military intervention could hasten a civil war and lead to even more bloodshed.
“When we see what’s happening on television our natural instinct is to act,” Obama said. “Both of us have learned that it is very important that we have thought through all of our actions.”
The serious talks follow a more relaxed day in which Obama and Cameron flew to Dayton, Ohio, to watch an NCAA tournament college basketball game between Mississippi Valley State and Western Kentucky, a new experience for the British leader. Obama gave Cameron the royal treatment, inviting him to fly on Air Force One and enjoy a quintessential American tradition.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
