Pollcode

Israel - why are they even on the list? Exactly how are they an ally? Israel needs things from the USA and gets paid very well by Uncle Sam. Can't see any ally there.

Australia might not have as large a force in the middle east as others but they are also busy holding down the south Pacific which is a 3rd world $hit hole

Many of you seem to believe that when the Labor Party's in charge, Australia suddenly becomes anti-US and when the Liberal/National coalition's in government, we tear down the US-bashing banners and it's a big love-fest. This is completely wrong. Former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke, for example, makes a pretty strong claim to being the most pro-US PM in Australian history.

Believe me, the foreign policy of Australia regarding the US alliance didn't change much when Howard took over from Keating/Hawke back in 1996 - and it won't change much now that Rudd's in charge. Certainly, Rudd may make the odd US-bashing comment to please certain elements of his support base - or he may even be personally anti-US - however in policy, Australia will be staunchly pro-US for the foreseeable future. Of course, we need to pay a lot of lip service to China. We make a crapload of money out of trading with them, so it behooves us to stay on good terms and make the right noises to keep those sensitive commies happy and purring (come to think of it, US officials and politicians often do this, too). However, when it's time to take sides, Australia undoubtedly knows which side it's on. I can't say that Australia is the US's best ally. I can absolutely say it's a reliable ally, no matter who is in charge.

Not only will Israel stand with us, they'll also stand down when we ask.

But I'm still voting for the Aussies. And to be fair, all three would have our backs if the chips were down.

Let's get silly(er): I vote for Texas.

Australia has been beside the US in every major war since 1900, and in most of the minor wars.

Unlike Britain and Israel. Neither of whom were in 'Nam. In fact Israel usually doesn't front up at all, altho not because they don't want to.

The Brits like to front up for some wars and not others. Snobby bastards.

I'd have voted for Canada. Yeah, I know they've been feckless at times, but they're still pretty good neighbors.

If we America where to go war any where outside the midlle east,we could count on Israel to have our back, what other country
would, no other country could.

Colombia is America's best ally. It put its men in harm's way to save ours and made no deals with terrorists to get its own nationals out of harm's way at our expense. It probably saved an American city through its exposure of FARC's uranium quest and put a notorious global arms dealer in prison. It didn't have to share any of its intelligence and it still did. Colombia is the only ally I trust.

Hey Glenn!

This poll thingie is a great way to let your readers blow off some steam without having to allow "official" comments on the main blog. Brilliant.

Uhhm .. if you say this about a friend and ally, Canada, who has (a.) lost now 90 soldiers in Afghanistan and (b.) nearly 3000 active troops there, then you are not perhaps used actually having allies. It is, at best, mean-spirited, and perhaps it is somewhat even suggestive of insecurity, to snipe at and belittle honestly serving friends. To be frank, it is ignoble.