That special relationship:  A twit in the White House

AS annoying as it is to the rest of us, the special relationship enjoyed by the UK and the United States is uniquely important to the wider Western world, since at its heart is an intelligence-sharing agreement that was established formally during the 1940s, expanded during the Cold War, and contributes now to the global campaign against Islamic fascism.

It has survived personal relationships between presidents and prime ministers that have ranged from very warm (Reagan and Thatcher) to cool but respectful (Jack Kennedy and Harold Macmillan).