However, there is one important similarity between Britain and Australia that is worth keeping in mind: the manner in which the shape of both countries' respective alliance relationships with the US limits policy flexibility.
There is little doubt that Blair's ability to manoeuvre on Iraq has been restricted by the risk of alienating Washington. Like Howard, Blair's resolute support for Bush's policy in Iraq has raised expectations within the White House to such a level that any hint of a retreat risks being interpreted as an act of personal disloyalty.
Against this background, the decision to withdraw 1,600 out of a total troop commitment of more than 7,000 smacks of political compromise: an attempt to assuage concerns at home without upsetting Washington.
It is in this sense that both Blair and Howard are limited by the manner in which they have reshaped their countries' relationships with Washington by conflating loyalty to George Bush as a friend with loyalty to the US as an ally. This suggests that any major changes in the Iraq policies of Britain and Australia are unlikely until Blair, Howard or Bush leave office.
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