WASHINGTON: From across the pond, President Barack Obama has warmly welcomed David Cameron's election victory, but with Britain's role in Europe and the world in doubt so too is its "special relationship" with the United States.
White House congratulations are rarely more effusive.
Lauding Cameron's "impressive electoral victory," Obama praised the "special and essential relationship" between the United States and Britain.
"I have enjoyed working closely with Prime Minister Cameron on a range of shared interests these last several years, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds between our countries."
With a mere five years separating them and a language in common, officials say Obama and his "bro" Cameron get on very well -- something of a rarity for a US president regarded by many foreign officials as businesslike if not bordering on frosty.
Britain's role as a permanent member of the United Nation's Security Council, a NATO member that fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and a participant in nuclear talks with Iran make coordination vital.
The White House may more often than not make Germany's Angela Merkel the first European on Obama's call sheet, but the special relationship continues to have very practical advantages.
In Washington, British diplomats have frequent bilateral meetings with senior White House National Security staff that are not afforded to other European allies.
But beyond talk of shared values, Winston Churchill and bonds forged in the fires of World War II, there is a sense in Washington that Britain is adrift.
"Washington is skeptical of Cameron," said Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution. "He doesn't seem very interested in foreign policy."
Nowhere is that more evident than in Cameron's policy towards Europe.
In the run up to the election he promised a referendum on European Union membership in 2017.
Cameron, his Conservative party and all major political parties will campaign for a "yes" to stay in the EU, but for many in Washington it is mind-boggling that the prime minister would even take such a referendum risk.
A Britain that is inside the world's largest trading bloc, is much more useful than an isolated island in the north Atlantic.
"Americans are frustrated because they want a strong Britain and a strong Europe," said Wright.
"If he continues as before, Britain's influence in the US will decline further. But, if he changes course and tries to restore British influence internationally, he could breathe new life into the special relationship."
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