An inventive article from Ben Brogan this morning, arguing that a new vigorously Tory foreign policy is emerging. I can be a little slow sometimes, but I haven’t noticed anything new or Tory about Britain’s foreign policy. Brogan records that the Prime Minister has let it be known that British troops will withdraw from Afghanistan by 2015. Cameron said nothing of the sort; he said he w...

Peter Beaumont has an interesting article on Iran that notes how our understanding of the local complexities must trump simplistic perceptions shaped by our own foreign policy assumptions. A valuable lesson, though Beaumont commits the same sin when he artificially divides foreign policy debates into two camps, so that he can pose as the voice of sense. Of value in his article is the lack of knowl...

Our foreign policy priority must be to transfer responsibility for Afghan security to their local army and police as quickly as possible. Our wider foreign policy must embrace stronger links and more diplomatic interest in the emerging powers. I welcome today’s change of emphasis in foreign policy. You could have read it here first. The

Don't forget the other election, chaps. Foreign observers have, perhaps understandably, focused almost exclusively on the presidential contest. But the founding fathers knew what they were doing when they placed Congress in Article One of the Constitution, and the Presidency in Article Two. Other than in questions of foreign policy - and, in some regards even there - it is the legislature tha...

Iain Martin calls for a British foreign policy. Hear, hear. But what would such a foreign policy look like? How would it differ from the European one, which Britain is currently bound to uphold (in the words of the Treaties) "actively and unreservedly, in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity"? Britain must take foreign policy back from Brussels A sovereign Britain should rediscover her sympat...

I see that yesterday's Independent carried an article about how diplomats were incensed about David "Buttered New Potato" Cameron's plans for a new EU grouping. David Cameron has caused dismay at the highest levels in the Foreign Office over plans for a hardline European policy under a Tory government, The Independent on Sunday has learnt. The Conservative leader risks leaving Britain isolated and...

Matthew Parris hits the nail on the head this morning, with an article bemoaning the lack of Tory foreign policy.  Do read the whole thing, although the final paragraph sums up the charge: "As Opposition leader, Margaret Thatcher defined herself in brutal and angry outline as a cold warrior. Today there is no need for such clarity from Mr Cameron and something to be said for wait and see...

Foreign Secretary David Miliband urges Labour to defend its record, be candid about its strengths and weaknesses and show why David Cameron's plans are the new con At the next election, foreign policy can be a winner for Labour. But only if we demonstrate why it is integral to Britain’s security and opportunity, set out a clear vision of British foreign policy that draws on our values, and s...

Martin Kettle dissects the Conservatives’ foreign policy, concluding that: “You can criticise Labour or Liberal Democrat foreign policy for believing in the wrong things or neglecting the big issues. But at least these parties make clear what they believe in – and make clear that they believe in something. The problem with Tory foreign policy

I was a bit taken aback by Security Minister Lord West comments this morning about Gaza fueling terrorism. Of course he is right that foreign policy can drive radicalisation, but that doesn't mean you should temper your foreign policy to avoid upsetting radical Islamists, any more than you should shape your immigration policy to appease the BNP. Reacting to bits of UK foreign policy you don't like...