BURNING ANOTHER ALLIANCE:

Barack Obama no-show gives Kevin Rudd leverage (Brad Norington, 3/19/10, The Australian)

THE Rudd government has been handed political ammunition to resist US pressure for more troops in Afghanistan after Barack Obama cancelled his visit next week, it was claimed yesterday.

The White House confirmed that the President's trip had been postponed to June because of a domestic wrangle over health reform that has forced him to stay in Washington.

The delay in Mr Obama's trip was the second in a week.

He faces a backlash from close observers of the US relationship with Australia, including White House supporters, who question whether Mr Obama is demonstrating his commitment to its close ally and the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Obama had previously criticised his predecessor, George W. Bush, for ignoring the region.

It's impossible to imagine W treating John Howard that way.

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 19, 2010 6:23 PM