To Mr. Lindstrom of Sweden, perhaps if my grandfather and hundreds of thousands of his friends were killed saving your grandfather, we would at least expect you to be a bit circumspect in your criticisms of the way we thereafter conduct ourselves in the water.

Thomas Payne, New York, NY/USA

To Richard from Los Angeles who says that we (americans) should stop giving the world's needy and only give to our (americans) own...........what? like in new orleans after katrina?

Shame on america and shame on its people who allow their government to carry on with its blantent inhumanity, not only to other nations but also to their own. If you can judge a civilisation on how it treats its people, then there is little hope for america.

kim, london,

"I can only ask the world community to give us another chance to again become a member of the world community rather than the bully of the world."????? You must be joking!

-

Camillus, Columbia, USA

Worse than the Bristish Empire?. Hmmm...lets ask, the Irish, Scottish, Arabs, Israeli's, Argentinians, Indians, and pretty much all of the Middle East. This guy is a clown-he cannot even run his own Church?

Mike Reiner, Nanuet, USA

Thanks to the Archbishop for providing the enemies of America the propaganda that they love to spout ," America is the enemy". The anarchists, communists, socialists and all the radical left within the U.S. will use theses words as usual during their hate America rallies. Meanwhile, Iran, Hizbualla, Al-Queda, the Taliban, Chevez etc. also should be grateful for the Archbishops words that will only incite further hatred towards America. Does the world plan of radical Islam, convert or die, seem more appealing?

Aaron Dee, Detroit, U.S.A.

Cross reference Rowan Williams with Neville Chamberlain!
It would be FANTASTIC if the U.S. stopped "intervening abroad" and let all of these countries slide into complete genocide, communist control, and dictatorial oppression. Don't forget, the United States government has no money; it's the citizens of the United States of America who pay out of their hard-earned wages to give BILLIONS in aid to various competing global interests in attempts to avoid LONG "bursts of violence".

Once rid of our annoying (Presumably stupid) "programs of aid", we'll just sit back and cup our right hand to our ear and see if we can pick up the faint cries of the archbishop's final fate under the wise and merciful ways of the East. Maybe they'll let you choose which lamp post you'll swing from.

Los Angeleno, Los Angeles, CA, United States

His historical citation to the Empire's role in India is skewed to say the least. Also, his nostalgiac referernce to the Brit's role in in "fixing" India is the very imperialist arrogance he lambasts the Americans for. Furthermore, his analogy doesn't hold up. He claims the British took over India and "then pour[ed] energy and resources into administering it and normalising it."

What exactly does he suppose is happening in Iraq right now? Rightly or wrongly, that is exactly what 's happening. What is this "other people will put it back together" myth he talks about. Rightly or wrongly the US went into Iraq virtually alone. The US has stayed in Iraq longer than it was involved in WWII...again virtually alone. If the US had withdrawn in 2004 and appealed to the UN to fix the problem, then maybe his comparison would be correct.

No fan of Empire am I -- but don't make bogus analogies to make your native country's former Empire somehow more "moral." What bunk.

Proventlogger, Washington, DC, USA

ROWAN WILLIAMS - He is wrong about the USA [ as are most people abroad ] and he is wrong about his church.

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing indeed!

Karen, Cherry Hill,NJ USA,

Aging American hating hippie. He's right about one thing, America needs to let the world solve its own problems and isolate itself. The world would not be better off but we would, especially in regard to taxes.

John G, San Angelo, USA/TX

It is interesting to define the short term accomplishment of America in Iraq compared to the historical accomplishment of British Empire in India. As I recall, the British took as much as they gave to India. If we are to fully compare, then let us also compare the American efforts in World War II and post-World War II. Is he truly stating that our involvement in WWII was imperialism? If so, how did America benefit? I don't see colonialism coming out of the US occupation in France and Germany in post WWII. The current purpose in Iraq is no different. While it is arguable about the basis of aggression when the US arrived, that is different than claiming the US is trying to colonize Iraq.

Gary Chancellor, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

We have messed up Iraq, repeating much the same fiasco as the Brits did in the 1920s. We are bullies occupying Iraq now because we can, and that is wrong. It is much worse in my view for the USA to lie about the reasons we are there, and that is what makes me most ashamed of our current government. I pray we come to our senses and toss the Busheviks out and change our course ASAP. I firmly believe we can accomplish more to eliminate the Islamic "threat" by use of good local police work, not by deploying our soldiers as targets in the asymmetrical war on the streets of Iraq.

Richard, Elyria, USA

Here is a world religious leader who has never lead his own flock except way from its own roots. Were it not for his religious ancestors, who were burned at the stake, drawn and quartered, and in a couple of cases, even dug up out of the graves so that they could be hung, he would not be allowed to read the Bible. Of course, it is apparent that even now that he has the right to read it, he doesn't - or if he does, it is devoid of any understanding.

D., Hoosier Uplands, Indiana

I think Mr Archbishop comments on USA about its aggression into some of the area of the world are quite right. The US belligerence not only cause hostile to its partners but also cause hatried to the oppressed people.Some people have a good dream that the US will or would save them if they are in trouble. Rather recue them the US brings nothing to them but chaos and disorder. Look at Iraq ans Afghanastan. Leading the joint force to campaign against terrorism is right, but it also throws the baby out with the bathwater ,thus causes offensive to many reasonable people. They have been kept off democracy and prosperity as they have dreamt.

zeny, Nanchang , China

... he is right ..... regardless of other regemes...(russia, etc) ... the US actions following 911 will have repercutions which will last far longer than the time most of the readers are alive!!

marke, houston, texas

Right-o. Maybe America needs to become more religious. Start praying five times a day...in school.

Lily, Seattle,

The Archbishops analysis of modern western mentality, culture and foreign policies are right on the mark. It is disheartening to see so many commenter’s having such harsh critical opinions about the Archbishops statements. Many people are mentioning unrelated issues like the Saudi gang rape victim being lashed and punished. Yes this is an amazingly disgusting story and I do not agree with it at all. But that is not the issue the Archbishop is addressing at this time. But I would not expect much else from brainwashed Americans who spend nearly all their time watching T.V. It is childish to respond to criticism by criticizing others. We must take a long hard look at ours nation and get involved in the political process. We are approaching a monumental time in human history and we must be ready. Protect your freedoms and demand accountability from our government! The citizens of the U.S. must have power over the government; the government must not have power over the people! Live Free!

Isaac, Phoenix, AZ

General Powell was being introduced by the former Archbishop of Canterbury when the ABC at the time decided to take a shot at the United States. General Powell returned fire quite effectively. I wish I could quote him exactly. The ABC asked the General if the war was not another example of American Imperialism. The General replied something to the effect that it is true the USA had engaged in numerous foreign wars in the 100 years or so but had never taken any territory like The UK had nor had it ever imposed impossible war reperations on another country like the UK and France did after WWI which lead directly to WWII into which England and France dragged the USA for the second time in just over twenty years but that the USA only asked for suffecient land in which to bury her sons who had died on foreign soil in the fight for other peoples freedom other people like . . . the UK and France for instance.

Peace to your Grace from an American Anglican.

James Richard Holt Jr., Huntington, West Virginia

The archbishop reigns over a disintergrating declining Anglican church due to poor leadership and current ideology. Many adherents and priests are being received into the Catholic church. Perhaps he should put his own house in order or join Islam. Like many so called "thinkers" Socialists and the politically correct ramming down our throats that everything the
British did {including the Empire} was wrong and evil and that we should all feel guilty. Well, I don't. I think many people are getting a little sick of it. and as for America.. mind your own business.

hugh dickinson, Huonville, Tasmania

The article seems to be insignificant in this argument. So many patriotic, uninformed Americans on one side, and the rest of the world on the other. Everything you hear or see in America is biased. Even the textbooks in high school aren't objective. The American population is being brainwashed so that the imperialists can continue their business undisturbed.

America, wake up!

Kjetil, Virginia Beach, Norway / USA

"30,000 troops in Korea for 55 years. That is much money we could spend on health care, etc."

The power and weight held by the U.S. is worth far more then our health.

"We have every right to have invaded Iraq the second time to enforce the terms of the cease fire agreement. "

The threat posed by Iraq has been proven time and again to be minimal. It was only used as a stepping stone for further imperialist means.

"The US has not expanded its territory by force since 1898..."

If you think imaginary lines matter in todays world you must be a moron.

"Both will tell you they fought so that fools like the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury could make a complete moron of themselves without worry of being jailed"

The Archbishop should be respected for speaking out.

"it is fashionable in todays anti-American..."

To be critical, dissent and appose government is the only check we have to keep goverment honest. By not practicing these freedoms we will enslave ourselves.

Isaac, Phoenix, AZ

This guy is well known for his radical views. It amazes me (not really) that the press still seek his opinion. We already know what he's going to say: 1. The West is bad, and the cause of all evil, 2. Radical Islam, though taking full responsibility for their evil deeds, is not to be blamed for their actions, and 3. We should submit to the will of terrorists because its wrong for us to want to do anything for our own benefit & safety. Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

Brian, Los Angeles, USA

It is a shame that the problems still with us in Africa and the Middle East stem from the imperialistic rule of Europe and Britian and the artificial boundaries and regressive policies which left these areas incapable of civilized behavior. I do not see how the behavior of the USA can be criticized by those who left such a mess behind

Jack, Los Alamos, USA/NM

First and foremost, stop attacking the Anglican Church. This is a discussion of American foreign policy, and any attack on the Church is off-point and merely a tactic to deflect criticism and change the subject.
Secondly, stop reacting in such a knee-jerk fashion. There are valid points to the Archbishop's criticism, just as there are accusations and assertions that are unfair. America has overstepped its boundaries to an extent, and there IS an alarming gap in perceptions between the average American and any other citizen of the world concerning the role of the U.S. in world politics. America is in an intractable war, and continues to commit error after error in its foreign policy. But to call us the "worst imperialistic" power of all time is grossly ignorant history ( Africa, Australia, etc.) Fellow Americans, use your heads. If you automatically discount every criticism, you reinforce the stereotype that we are all crass and close-minded. Actually LISTEN to others, then debate.

EHP, Chapel Hill, USA

It is hard to take at face value the Archbishop's statement that the US is the 'worst' kind of imperialist. I agree with the many commentators here that the US is not imperial. But even if he is simply trying to say our actions are the 'worst' or that our actions create a 'worst of all worlds,' his ignorance is beyond the pale. Certainly there were worse imperialist impulses, such as the Japanese occupation of Northern China (Nanjing!), Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe, Spanish conquest of central and south America. Each much more imperial than what the US is doing in Afghanistan and Iraq and, by arguably most any observer of history, 'worse' as well. Similarly, how can he say today's situation is a 'worst of all worlds?" Wouldn't a terrorist nuclear device destroying London be a worse world?

These statements are so exaggerated that they carry no authority.

Gordon, SANTA MONICA , CA, US

"Steve, Bonita Springs, USA"
Just who are you suggesting is a Catholic here?
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the Anglican religion, that includes the episcopalians in the USA.

A Brit at present in Bonita Springs, Bristol,

What's the phrase? Thou protesteth too much. Judging by the hundreds of vitriolic American responses to this article, perhaps there is something in the saying!

I wonder how many have actually bothered to read the article in Emel, which reads quite differently to the selective quotes in the Sunday Times?

Equally, the amount of jingoistic nonsense posted below, only emphasises just what a concern the United States of America should be to the rest of the world. If Americans don't like others telling them some home truths perhaps I could direct them to one of their own: Noam Chomsky.

Gareth Morgan, London, UK

The Archbishop would be wise not to criticise the British Empire while many of his followers still remember it.

Mark, London, UK

Never blame the book for how reader uses it.

Translation- do not blame religion for what preachers do.

For Americans- do not blame Islam/Christianity for Holy war; it was made by a man not a God.

Kara, London,

The broad thrust of William’s observations are beyond serious dispute. However, one must take issue with his defence of British imperialist rule. While it is true that Britain invested heavily in infrastructural development throughout its colonies, virtually of this was directed as facilitating the plunder of indigenous natural and human resources. Indeed, a systematic exorcism of this enduring fantasy, the fantasy of ‘Britain’s benevolent empire’, is greatly overdue.

Our American friends appear to be under the misapprehension that their valued contribution to the defeat of Nazism has provided them with an absolute entitlement to unquestioned subservience and loyalty for all time. If they were to pause and revisit history, instead of regurgitating all too pervasive jingoistic Hollywood hagiography, they might discover that Nazi Germany lost WW2 in the East, where some 3/4 of its divisions were annihilated by our great ‘Soviet’ allies at the cost of 25+ million.

Frederick Nathanson, London, UK

I don’t believe the Europeans that are reading understand why we do not think that you appreciate our sacrifice in WW2. It’s the premise of the article! That we are imperialistic. The headline states: US IS WORST IMPERIALIST! We helped win the war, spent blood, money, and effort. Then.. spent money to rebuild the country *and leave* . That is what we do.
We could had stayed in Kuwait..but we left ..
(that action is what proves that we did not go in “just for oil”)
I think you get us confused with the Japanese, they took over the Philippines, Burma, Thailand, French Indo-China, British Malaya, Netherlands East Indies, Manchuria Korea, with all its resources, we (with the help of the allies) kicked them out. THEN LEFT.
Or..
Or maybe the Germans, we (with the help of the allies) kick them out of Italy France, Algeria, Poland, Holland, Russia, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Belorussia, etc.
Gave them 12 Billion (in 1948 dollars) to rebuild,
THEN LEFT.
These are the same troops that were cheered marching through the streets of Paris.
Calling us Imperialist is belittling to us and our troops and the greatness and honor of our country.

LJ, New Bern, NC USA

Jim Roberts pointed (unwillingly) to the core of the problem. The Americans believe the Bible, only they cannot understand why there is not a word about the US. Their faith is full of abstaining from liquor and sins of flesh. Their most important problems of faith concern the Episcopal Church of the US - those bloody English are putting down our good, God-abiding church business. Dear Americans, first you have to learn something about the World outside the borders of Your country and then You should read very carefully Your New Testament, especially all about loving your neighbour. And please do not forget that your "neighbour" in biblical sense is not only a man living nextdoor.

Mirek Kostal, Prague, Czech republic

In response to Tom Welsh, Basingstoke:
I find it interesting that on one hand you complain that the US “remained carefully neutral right through the German conquest of Europe”. Then complain that we use our power in time of war.
You also said that: “The supplies sent to the USSR were of marginal importance - apart from the trucks and telephone wire. British and US tanks were considered death traps by Soviet tankers, accustomed to the superior T34.”
You can belittle our help if you want, but the facts speak for themselves. 14,795 Aircraft / 7,056 Tanks/ 51,503 Jeeps- / 375,883 Trucks- / 35,170 Motorcycles/ 1,981 Locomotives (only 91 were built in Russia between 1940-1945)/ 90 Cargo ships- / 15,417,000 pairs of army boots/ 11,155 railroad freight cars.. If you laid the trucks end to end the line would go for 1,400 miles. The list goes on but you get the point. I could go on with the list for England but I won’t with the exception of 17,000 Sherman tanks that England received. If you placed the tanks end on end it would stretch for 64 miles. Marginal importance indeed.

Tom said: What is the right word for a country that has over 700 military bases worldwide?
That word is: SMART.

LJ, New Bern, NC

How predicatable and how utterly depressing. Dr. Williams must live in a parallel universe. There are malign,despotic, corrupt regimes aplenty and he can only criticise the US. It is infantile, lefty student hogwash. Williams and his ilk have never, ever, levelled the same public damnation on a single crackpot or dispicable left wing regime. And he would certainly not want to offend the Islamists ( or whatever it is we are permitted to call them these days) who would have us all dead. No, far easier to blame the world's woes on the Americans. After all they are not likely to take such offence that it would demand they decapitate you in public. This joker certainly doesn't speak for the whole of Britain.

tony, london, uk

Mr. Archbishop,

Stick to your God and morality and leave politics to politicians.

Subramaniam. P, Paris ,

Europe doesn't owe us anything for WWII (even though it was their war)...you are absolved of any gratitude....as a matter of fact I'm extremely sorry we did anything in that war to save your sorry butts...hope the next time around, we sit it out!

kb mills, Austin,Texas, USA

Hi Bruce! (from L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA)

Please read my post; I have already said it, and unequivocally.
Thanks much.

M Rezwanul Hoque, Chittagong, Bangladesh

What the Archbishop says is findamentally true. Of course we need the USA strength along side our other allies in Europe and around the world, but we should all be singing from the same hymn sheet, not pressing ahead with our own adgendas and motives. Have we leant nothing from the past?
The Archbishop is right to mock the "God is on our side" notion of the US. God in whichever religion you care to name, is always there. How well do the American people know the beliefs and aspirations of the average Muslim, or of the average Hindu, Sikh, Buddist?
American policy reminds me of an Engishman abroad, shouting at the French cafe owner to make himself understood, without the slightest thought of trying to speak a word of French. If he doesn't understand, shout louder and then hit him to get your point over.

Simon Cotton, West Mersea, Essex

"Domain database which contains files collected from source systems for periodic processing in the data warehouse for DI. "

Please be aware that the word "liberal" is not a swear word outside the US.

starling, Lancaster,

First off, I love America, I have American family in Philadelphia and I strongly believe in the Special Relationship that exists between us, but can I just say that I am SICK TO DEATH of hearing smug Americans tell us we should forever bow down to them and thank them for saving us in WWII, it's an insult.

The war in Europe was won by THE ALLIES ie UK, USA and USSR. Every American that tells you "If it wasn't for us you'd be speaking German" is spitting on the memory of all the Commonwealth and USSR soldiers (10s of millions of them!) that died to save Europe from the Nazis.

I recently read a WWII history book that put it perfectly, and I quote: "the British gave time, the Americans gave money and the USSR gave men." If anyone else can think of a better way of putting it than this I will be surprised.

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

Check out http://www.standfirminfaith.com for the truth about the Anglican Communion.

Bishop Williams is just angry that orthodox American Christians have called his bluff. He doesn't have a clue about how to stop the Anglican Communion from crumbling. Bible-believing Anglicans in the U.S. are leaving The Episcopal Church of the U.S. because its leadership preaches a false gospel that is heretical and in direct opposition to the teachings of scripture. ABC Williams agrees with the heretics and is impotent in the face of this robust challenge to his hollow authority, so he is lashing out at George W. Bush's America. The really sad part: the leadership of The Episcopal Church in New York City probably agrees with him.

Jim Roberts, Burke, VA

**Wow, so many Americans actually bothering with international news!**

I feel, to an extent, that America has become 'imperialistic' towards the rest of the world. Ok, the average 9-5 working American is probably the nicest person ever... but -collectively- the actions of America towards other countries doesn't make these 'other' countries incredibly fond of America. The constant hypocrisy, lies, conspiracies, 'We Are The Greatest' attitude, the 'totally-not-bothered-about-climate-change' attitude, friendly-fire, political laughing stock, foreign policy, etc, etc... I'm sure an individual American is a fine person, but a group of Americans are toxic!

And, ok, Britain and most other countries aren't perfect... But there's a reason why there's so much discontent towards America... lesser so for all other countries... and before you Americans say anything... it isn't 'Jealousy'!

Sophie, Liverpool, U.K

Who honestly cares what this man says? Britain abandoned the Church long ago, this man has no say and no power anymore so he takes ridiculous stands. To everyone who says that the USA is finished. I've been hearing that my whole life and somehow we still seem to be around and on top. I'm sure this time is different though. Also what's all this nonsense I keep hearing about moral high grounds? I can't think of a single time that any country anywhere has ever claimed a "moral highground", including the USA. Everyone acts in self interest. It is just unfortunate that the majority of Europe is unable to act in their own interests so they demonize the USA for doing what they cannot.

mike, Houston, Texas

To all you undfriendly Russians out there: I once had an old friend ,who had been in the Polish underground during WWII. He told me that he'd had many dealings with both Nazis and Russian troops. His words were: " I preferred the Nazis to the Russians. The Russians could not be trusted".

Americans,as the lot of you, are not without sin. If you were to visit us in the US you'd find a lot of folks who look and sound like you.

No doubt the discourse here is good for all of us. There is much to relieve ourselves of. I Iike to think of it as a discussion amoung friends or would be friends, for that we have the Archbishop to thank.

R.G.Rankin, Keyport, NJ

"What this pinhead has done is join the mobs of anti american automatrons that seem to infest most of Europe. Imagine the world without the U.S. "

Did you ever try to understand where this "antiamericanism" comes from? Maybe it has its roots in the American hegemonial policy: think about Vietnam, Pinochets horrors in Chile, the Shah of Persia, he role of the CIA in the installation of many horrible dictatorships, the arrogance of the American super power which claims to bring democracy but doesn't care if thousands of people get tortured, imprisoned and killed if it serves "corporate America".
I am not a follower of any church, but this bishop is right.

Giovanni, Milano, Italy

This is all very well but Britain is hand-in-hand with this particular venture, if not a primary instigator. Many of the firms which are profiting from this endless 'ordo ab chao' scenario are British, staffed heavily by Britishers or British in origin. It's a bid for an Anglo-American empire, led by those who believe that we've become soft and need another good old world war to shake us up a bit and keep people in their rightful places. Perhaps they are right but they would never dream of personally putting themselves or those that they know in harm's way. They know the white working class has already given up reproducing and it scares them no end. I do agree with the central thesis : the British were like the Greeks, spreading the ideas of the enlightenment. The Americans are like the Romans at the end, using indiscriminate brute power, reliant upon mercenaries and terrified of the barbarian hordes.
Novum ordum seclorum and they really mean it this time.

M.Seshadri, Sydney, Australia

To Europe's shame even Bill Clinton could not ignore the genocide in Bosnia. Thugs and meglomaniacs will persist in hegemony unless thwarted. Citizens will be subjegated by the ruthless; this has been communism's preferred tactic. Check your conscience then tell the world what is wrong with free people choosing their own course. To you Archbishop; will you drop your animus to Britain's successor? Your pronouncements will continue to ring false until you recognize coersion and murder no matter how the purpetrators are dressed. God bless and prosper the peacemakers.

Robert M. Demyanovich, Brighton, USA/Michigan

I can never understand why religious leader's comments are reported by the press. Surely, as this article illustrates, it's better to print the words of educated people who can actually formulate a reasoned argument based on knowledge. This is not news anymore than if Jade Goodie, David Beckham or Amy Whitehouse, suddenly spoke out against imperialism.
While we're talking about religion.....did I get this right? A leader of a religious body is actually talking out against oppression and exploitation? Hmmm something about pots and kettles spring to mind.
Never mind Mr Williams, I'm sure there's a fund raiser for a new church roof somewhere, your comments will go down better there no doubt.

Simon, Edinburgh,

Well at least he did not say as bad as Nazi Germany. Perhaps because many of his Muslim friends supported them during the war, fought with them against the Allies and unlike the hated Americans,often come after you if you criticise them.

No wonder the Churches are empty.

Stephen Rothbart, Prague, Czech Republic

mick fealty, Lisburn, N Ireland:

What about Irish aggression against Irish people? Irish protestant kills Irish catholic and vice versa, that's what the British army went into Ireland to try to prevent in the 60's. What about Irish punishment beatings and kneecappings and Republican AND loyalist involvement in organized crime and the training of international terrorists? The violence is still going on now and the British army has left!

Pot Kettle Black my friend. The Irish have inflicted far worse suffering on themselves than the British army did during the Troubles and that is FACT.

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

I'm sure the Archbishop feels safe making these comments in the knowledge that the Supreme Court doesn't issue fatwahs.

James, Sunderland, England, UK

The Church on many occasion have spoken out about the tyranny of the state. Here we have a state that is terrorising a people. marginalizing them so that we may think them less than human. Disregarding the law and the Geneva convention. We must support any who speak out. and pour scorn and shame on those that don't.

Well done for speaking out evil reigns while good men stand by.

mark , Newcastle, England

I have to say the present situation is not ideal. If the US had played a better hand of chess, then things would have been different.

jsinton, College Park, USA

This is a modern demonstration of one of the reasons that the Colonists left England and went to the American colonies in the first place. Church leaders should lead churches, not try to inflame public opinion in the subject of foreign policy. What this pinhead has done is join the mobs of anti american automatrons that seem to infest most of Europe. Imagine the world without the U.S.

R.D., Hinesville, Ga. USA

When Bush campaigned the first time, he was ready to bring our troops home from all over the world. Then 9/11, and he changed. I understand Afghanistan....but he forgot what country he actually is President of.....he gives more USA tax dollars to foreign countries, trains foreigners to fight for their countries, which they always turn on us....gives our jobs away to more and more foreigners...
Has allowed Mexico to dictate our immigration laws, and has lost all touch with his own citizens.
We do not want to police the world, not keep supporting them...we want foreign countries to stand up and do what is right for their own people, it's time for "tough love" and get out of their business, no more $$$, no more US soldiers....get back to what's happening here!

Barbara, Ky, USA

Scott from Aberdeen says: "Step aside America your time is up."

Well genius, if we pull out it will be up to you to defend your way of life against the Sino-Russian alliance and militant jihaadism.

Personally I would not have turned down the help.

Mudhen Chris, Toledo, Ohio USA

It's tedious to have to keep on repeating the same facts, but there seems to be an unending stream of brainwashed Americans and others who do not know them. (1) The USA did not declare war on any of the Axis powers. It remained carefully neutral right through the German conquest of Europe - including the Battle of Britain and the Blitz - and commenced hostilities only after first Japan, then Germany declared war on it. (2) The supplies sent to the USSR were of marginal importance - apart from the trucks and telephone wire. British and US tanks were considered death traps by Soviet tankers, accustomed to the superior T34. (3) Whether the USA is an imperial power is a semantic quibble; but it has killed more foreigners than many imperial powers ever did. (3-4 million in SE Asia; 2 million and counting in Iraq... and on and on). The USA has bombed more nations since 1945 than the Luftwaffe did in WW2. (4) What is the right word for a country that has over 700 military bases worldwide?

Tom Welsh, Basingstoke,

Paul describes apostasy and perilous times of the last days. "Having a form of godliness; but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Timothy 3:5

Paul describes the qualifications of a good bishop: "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjecion with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God?)

Robert Y. Valentine, Highland, Utah, USA

Most of us Anglicans wish the bishops would focus a bit more on trying to refill churches, rather than trying to run the world. Stick to the knitting, please, however woolly it may seem.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Just repeat: the USA is bad, the USA is bad, the USA is bad...

DJ in PA, Muncy, PA USA

I think the citizens of the US do not have to defend the US. We are who we are. There are many problems with an arrogant liberal state department. The CIA is also an arrogant liberal outfit. We citizens have to live with the same elitism the worlrd faces. As the world opened their hearts to us with the Katrian hurricane that has shown me the real opinion the world has for my country. I may not know my world history but I would like to know what resourses G.B. poured into India at a loss to the empire. We are having a problem with radical muslims. Banda Acha we witnessed only fellow human being in a very horrible situation and responded. American citizens would be sick if we did not. Our soldiers inspite of politics are more than wiiling to give their lives for the good of any world citizen. Please remind me what did this Bishop say. When America refuses to help people anywhere we no longer deserve to exist.

Joe Covey, Scranton, Pa. USA

That's a shame. I expected more from the archbishop than a simplistic black and white scenario drawn to ridicule the US. No wonder the West is on the brink of self-annihilation.

As a religious leader, he more than anyone else should know about the dark side of religion. If he has nothing praise for a religion that brutalizes women the way Islam does, then he's as clueless as he accuses Bush of being.

Jeff Grace, San Francisco, Ca, USA

The United States is behaving like the Soviet Union did before: it is intervening in other countries in an imperialistic way, at the same time accusing them of being "imperialists" or "racists", i.e. it is using basically Marxist rhetoric (presently called "political correctness") in order to undermine countries it views as competitors. Hence the dismantling of Yugoslavia, the support of Bosnian Muslim, Kosovo Albanian and Chechen terrorists, as wel as the "liberation" of Iraq (that is, from 655,000 inhabitants).

Arthur Rambler, Yushnokurilsk, Russia

It's funny these people who claim the USA's involvement was not crucial to the Allied victory in WWII and argue Americans' knowledge of history is lacking. Without the US victory in the Pacific the Japanese would have dominated the region and given the USSR a two-front war - not to mention that both the English AND the Russians would not have been able to sustain any kind of war effort without American financial support.

Karl, Winnipeg, Canada

The Archbishop is right. The good news is that the United States is a civilized nation, and they do listen to criticism such as this, and will not send a suicide bomber to kill the Archbishop. This is how the west continues to advance; it is man enough to allow and take criticism.

I do regret a bit that the Archbishop has not criticised the other side more strongly, but then would the other side listen? They are not democratic the same way the west is, and it might just have caused another bible-burning frenzy.

Chuck, Bristol, UK

I have just read on the Scotsman site of a young female Saudi sentenced to 6 months lail and 200 lashes for being raped by 6 guys-even from a person like me who detests Muslim influence in Britain, I think commentary is unnecessary.

It is little wonder that the Churches are emptying, that Christianity is failing; with such eccentric leadership the wonder is that there are any COE followers at all.

PAL, Tongue, Sutherland. UK

As an american i am deeply ashamed of the current administration. As a democracy, we asked for what we got by not voting the right way. I dislike though his reference on islam being a good belief system. Its a very violent religion calling for holy wars. Makes the catholic inquistion look like a field day in the park. As to our manufacturing muscle during world war 2, it was not an easy taski getting our industry into a war effort. Also world war 2 ended the US depression.

Philip B Kirschner, Brooklyn,NY, USA

why so surprised so many Americans are commenting?....look at the headline thrown out for bait!

despite the constant droning in US and international media outlets.....delivering filtered visions of arrogant imperialists.....a great many of us are sick of living our lives...working every day, putting a generous portion of our hard earned $$ into the world's emergency kitty, raising our families to be good productive members of planet earth, only to sit down with a cup of coffee on a sunday morning to entertain our brains...maybe learn a thing or two...........stumble on this verbal chum......and are expected to swim on by??.........please

The only reason people feel so free to criticize the US is because they know we won't hold it against them when they come-a-callin'.............that is our legacy

Michelle, Richmond, RI, USA

The esteemed Archbishop touches on what he views as America's "chosen myth" guiding principles, but has nothing to say on radical Islam's view that what the Koran deems as important for Muslims must be 'at the heart of God's purpose for humanity.' Let's see just how long the esteemed Archbishop could publicly preach in, say, Saudi Arabia, before being arrrested, imprisoned or worse. The 'worst of all worlds'
isn't found in America's actions, but rather in the intolerant, my-way-is-the-only-way theology of radical Islam.

DiamondDave, chicago,

It always amazes me that people who owe their cultures sheer existance to the United States are ungrateful enough to not only disparage the U.S. but to say that it is worse than those who wish them dead.

With all of their own internal issues anyone associated with catholocism shouldn't speak morality for at least 50 years.

Steve, Bonita Springs, USA

It is amazing how distorted the language has become.
The USA is an influential country but certainly has no empire in the historical sense of the word.
Its like critics of Margaret Thatcher labeling her a Nazi.
The 'Imperialist' tag is a left over from the Marxist thinking that has largely been forced underground as it has become discredited.
It seems like the Archbishop is trying to curry favor with the Muslim community and the leftist anti-corporate movements in the UK.
Ironically, those movements would undoubtedly love the opportunity to suppress his rights to worship freely unlike the USA which would guarantee his freedom of speech and religion.

michael rutt, los angeles, usa

Alas, the "Imerialist" US Military is at it again...this time in the Indian Ocean delivering life saving supplies and medical care to the victims of the recent cyclones. And we don't care if they are Muslim, Hindu, Christian or Athiest. Where are the Muslim dominated "oil states" in this effort. We have paid them so dearly for their oil, the least they could do is spend a bit of it on humanitarian relief.

Frank, Seattle, WA

He has struck a blow against the biggest travesty of Christianity in recent times -- the hijacking of its language for the nefarious purposes of American imperialism. The naivety and genuine innocence of many of the American responses on this thread show how deep is the enthrallment of Americans to this idol. The adhominem attacks on the speaker, his church and Christianity itself actually suggest to me that all three are more relevant that is sometimes imagined. The Gospel was surely never more verified nor more clearly needed than in these times where the largest allegedly Christian nation is openly justifying torture and fomenting war. To most Europeans the Archbishop will seem to be pointing out the obvious, though they may be happy that a churchman says it, and to most Americans he will seem to be gratuitously insulting their country. The divide of perception here is vast -- vaster than that between Sunni and Shiite!

Joseph S. O'Leary, Tokyo, Japan

To Patrick Ryan in Dublin & Ben McCarley in Oklahoma City: Actually, the United States played a bigger role in winning World War II than both of you suggest. I've heard both pro-American and anti-American views that claim that the war would have been won by the USSR eventually. Who supplied the Soviets with arms to fight the Nazis? It was the United States through the Lend Lease Act. The USA used $11 billion in taxpayer's money to arm the USSR through the lend lease act. Americans also donated money to help the Soviets fight the Nazis through organizations like the U.S. Russian War Relief & the Red Cross. The timeframe for arming the USSR was Sept 1941 to Sept 1945. One of the reasons the USA supplied the USSR with arms was to keep Stalin in the war and preventing him from signing another peace treaty with Hitler. These facts are rarely mentioned in the USA or UK and they were denied in the USSR and Russia until the 1990s.

C. Reb, Jacksonville, FL, USA

As I still have the freedom of voicing my personal opinions, I know which so-called imperialistic superpower to chose to defend my conception of democracy

Ray , Hombeek, Belgium

It is indeed interesting that the Archbishop,in an interview with a Muslim magazine, blasts America, a land of freedom for all Religions and persuasion, and goes easy on The Muslims, who have a position of intolerance and "Death to the Infidels", meaning anyone who is not a Muslim.

Ralph, Parker, U.S. Colorado

In a country where religion is viewed with scorn, Archbishop Williams is fighting for relevance by commenting on international affairs. He should concentrate his energies on having people attend his church and less on the dynamics of global politics which he obviously cannot grasp. There is no wonder why the Anglican church has little or no relevance in daily British life.

LTP, Jenkintown, USA

Saudi women get gang raped, then punished by the government with hundreds of lashes. Christian girls get beheaded on their way to school in SE Asia. Chechen rebels slaughter hundreds of kids and their teachers. People get imprisoned for wearing Western clothing in Iran. Van Gogh gets slaughtered in the Netherlands. Honor killings appearing in countries with growing Muslim populations. The list of those things that none of these so-called Christian leaders really fail to address goes on and on.
As Europe gets overrun with Muslims, due to a suicidal immigration policy and a decline in Christian church attendance and a decline of the influence of Christian values in the common law, more and more populist appeasers will appear, since their audience is becoming more non-existent.
Is it any coincidence that Anglican churches are empty? Maybe the good Archbishop should concern himself more with his ever declining congregation, than the UK's best friend.

Mark, Brooklyn, New York

This guy longs for part of Britian's past, but wants to absolve any wrongdoings of the British Empire by saying it was a "good" emipre. First of all, America is not an empire. If it were, we would have much more than 50 states by now. That is not to say America has not made mistakes, but I strongly doubt we couldn't list an equal portion made by the Brits. And their, intent or approach was not better.... remember why we had our revolution.... it wasn't becasue the British were gentlemen.

Why the comparison of who is worse among friends? Why isn't he addressing the inflexibility, cruelty, and dogmatism of Islam and its attacks on the west, buddhists, its own, or anyone who objects with some imam's agenda.... including Britian remind you.

"There is no more retrograde force on this planet than Islam" - Winston Churchill. Keep giving them more so it goes away Chamberlain.... er archbishop.

We love Britian... but this we should be allowed to be offended by this rubbish.

Trevor, San Ramon, CA, USA

What a silly notion that the USA is imperalistic! We are just the opposite of imperalistic otherwise A large part of Europe, Japan, Korea, Central/South American would all be saluting the 'Stars and Stripes' every day...and, we do invade other lands with our culture...not forced on the natives but readily accepted and garnered because they enjoy the many freedoms, choices, and benefits that come from our culture.Between the USA Government and private citizens, 100s of billions of dollars every year go into all sorts of charities.Is there any category of beneficial endeavor where the USA is not a leader whether it be medical, judicial, science, agriculture, manufacture, technology,space reseach?
Of course not...the USA is a country that loves excellence and winning 'cause the result of not loving those things is decay, decadence, poverty, and ignorance. Does anyone really think this world would be better off without the USA? The thought ought to frighten the heck out of everyone

kb mills, Austin,Texas, USA

Perhaps the leaders of the US government (who will take a revolutionary war to dismantle) are imperialistic, but the American people are NOT imperialistic. We LOVE our freedoms and don't want to be ruled by others who have less.

Take a look at our history in times of need by people all over the world.

Kelly Stamper, Santee, USA/CA

A flacid Church, in a socialist/secular society complains that America is the Imperial Monster. Imperialism used to mean we were spreading Christianity to a lost world. Now I guess it means free markets and trade. Oh, Christiandom where have you gone. You certainly are in Great Britian and here in the States we are gripped in apathy, Lord Save US.

RM.Macdonald, San Francisco, U.S.A.

First- Americas involvement in WWII WAS crucial
America was not forced buy Pearl Harbor. America was taken into WWII by a Democratic President on principle. People love to take shots at America unless they need some support.

Finally, America is coming around again. Those who continue to attack our way of life by killing Americans need not agree with it, They would be wise however to remember the lessons of WWII. Ask Japan. It Is Not Worth It!

Dale , Chicago, Illinois USA

Two words: Neville Chamberlain.

Lisa Brehm, Houston, USA/Texas

Tell the archbishop to go pound sand. If the U.S.A. doesn't stand against Islamic Terrorism, then who will?

Charlie, Charleston, WV, U.S.A.

A man after the heart of another famous British appeaser; Neville Chamberlin. Without a doubt, the Archbishop is foolish.

M. Bathurst, Portland, USA

Rowan Williams reminds me in physical appearance of my uncle, a Welsh pseudo-intellectual Presbyterian minister, who hasn't worked a day in his life and is completely bonkers.

Rick, Somewhere, Maryland, USA

I have a hard time understanding why we are talking now about what has been done. That accomplishes SO much.

Even so, it is good to remember that not all Americans believe one way or the other. My hardest disagreements have been with Europeans who want to characterize all Americans as this or that, though Americans never say such and such is true of all of Europe. We are not all the same.

As for our foreign policy for the past 8 years, everyone agrees it's a travesty, but no one was willing to accept responsibility for fixing the global problems we faced at that time. Get off your high horse, Archbishop. Establishing/facilitating order is more complicated than it was several hundred years ago. Your ideas about our role/mission in the world are projections of the world onto us, nothing more. I think most all Americans would be glad if people around the world could maintain order all on their own, but they look to us. Like it or not, it's the simple truth.

Matthew, Where independence was won, Virginia

I'm an American, and the Archbishop 100% correct. I'm ashamed of our president and what he's done to the world.

Adam, Maryland,

hmm...worst than the Crusades of the Church?....worst than the Inquistion of the Church? Both "winners" as I recall in instilling a love and trust of westerners.

This guy should be on one of those American Comedy Central Shows....He is so funny.

Mike, Bootjack, USA

The letters on this page, and of course the comments of the Archbishop, show just how little the UK has in common with the USA. It was a massive error of judgement for Blair to involve the UK in an illegal invasion of Iraq, and it remains a massive mistake for any British Prime Minister to be permitted to involve the country in war without showing good cause. The USA will never do anything for British interests: best for Britain to keep away from power-hungry fools.

Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Athens, Greece

"US is 'worst' imperialist: archbishop"

As an Indian who is proud of Britains imperialist past in India. I wholeheartedly agree with Dr Rowan Williams comment.

Dilip Kumar, Goa, India

I applaud the archibishop and his right to say anything he likes about the US. It is the blood of Americans that paid for his right to say it. I don't agree with him, but then again, I don't have to. I salute the brave troops, including my now deceased father, who saved Britain and stand by Her yet today.

BL

BL, Edmond OK, USA

i'm convinced that Americans are not taught history, and if we are, it is only for the purpose of justifying 'manifest destiny,' to which the US government has lately subjected the world. While there are indeed very good things about the US as a country, foreign policy belies them all, and the apathy of the American people to do anything about it is appalling. The Archbishop is absolutely correct. Shame on my fellow Americans who scramble to comment on every bit of news critical of our terribly misguided nation, as if they're self-appointed damage and spin control...

J. Brandon Loberg, San Francisco,

It's a breath of fresh air to see a Christian with honesty and common sense. Real Christians can not be for Shrubs war. War mongers are not Christians any more than Hitler and the nazi's were.

R.J., Albuquerque , N.M.

Obviously, he is not aware of the fact that the USA is the most generous nation on earth; the country that went to the aid of the British during WW II, that liberated France; and continues to stand for freedom of thought and expression throughout the World.

James, Wellington, Kansas

ONE QUESTION?

Does Archbishop Rowan Williams have any knowledge whatsoever of Britain's despicable treatment of the Irish, let alone myriad other examples, during Britain's "heyday"?

His is a statement based in obvious monumental ignorance and extreme partisanship of some sort. It's beyond belief that anyone with even so much as a thimble full of knowledge of history could take this commentary seriously.

Clay Price, San Francisco, California

America has been mopping up the mess of the world left behind by the Brits since their ham-handed partitioning of the Ottoman Empire and the collapse of their own. Self rightious moralizing about violence from the country that gave the colonial world Kitchener with the Maxim machine gun to mow down the "wogs" is really quite offensive, especially after we saved British Bacon in two world wars. As to examples, I would further remind the Archbishop that it was American funds and forsight that generously rebulit Western Europe, as well as Japan, after WII, not British. The thought that he claims moral authority with regard to colonial rule of India is similarly astounding. Britains primary motivation in India was extracting the wealth offered by the subcontinent while providing an upper class life with cheap servants and opportunity for fortune to British citizens that did not exist at home.

Penultimate, Concord,

Pablum drivel from some one who should be trying to save the masses...short memories from our friends on how much we have helped the UK in the past ...no credibility with this "Man of God"...sorry "Man of convienice of the King or Queen"....

Jim , Shoreview, MN

England can't shout too much , as her History shows Divide and conqur, which the world has and is paying for since, as for this prelate he needs to look at his own house and stop cantering to the Government and stand up for God not what the government wants in religion. We can't create our own God not water down Gods words which stand forever.

John, New York, USA NY

Dosent the British Government have ways of dealing with troublesome Bishops??

Paul Harrington, Hesperia, Calif. USA

No matter how hard I try, I will never understand the affinity between modern "progressives" and the fascists of the Islamic world. Idealistically, they would be direct opposites if not for the lust for influence and power common to both.

Esteban , Newark, USA/NJ

It is telling, that Abp. Williams criticizes the U.S. sharply yet has no harsh words for entities with far less regard for human life, far less regard for women's rights, no concept of gay rights, and (unlike the U.S. gov't) no real concept of religious freedom. It's true that criticizing the U.S., over and above Muslim movements, is not only easier but safer. Let's say what is fiery, fashionable, and utterly free of risk. But for God's sake don't mention the elephant in the room; that were uncouth. I reckon the spirit of (the acclaimed) Neville Chamberlain springs eternal. But what a far cry from the spirit of the gospel!

Randolf, Seattle, Washington

World dominination=USA. That's the way of today. Imperialism or colonialism... what's the name. The same thing.

steve, hyrsay,

There was a day when British leaders thought it was morally wrong to let evil fester overseas. And then there were those who thought it better to sell honor for peace. If and when Europe is again threatened, should we ask the archbishop before we commit our young men? No, I think he has already expressed his opinion.

William Price, Seattle, WA USA

God damn, trim those eyebrows

Jo Jo, Anytown, USA

I would like to see where and when America became an imperialist nation. Was it after the Spanish American War when America could have annexed Mexico? Maybe it was after WWI, when Europe was desimated and all we had to do was take the entire continent over? Wait, I know, we became an imperialist power after WWII. Yes, when we started the Berlin Air Lift, Put Germany, Britain, Italy and particularly France on the road to solvency with the Marshel Plan.
How dare the Archbishop imply that ours is an imperialist nation. No country has done more for the world over tha last 100 years than the United States. We've given our blood, our treasure and our moral support to countries that, without our help, would have been consigned to the ash heaps of history.

Dr. Ciro De Rosa, Babylon, NY

Mr. Archbishop, with all do respect, I think you are losing your flock. I think you should worry about your own backyard.
Wow, Talk about the elites out of touch.

Al, Kingwood, texas

The dear old archbishop might do well to contemplate the wisdom of the old saying that
"People in glass houses should not throw stones". The bishop's exoneration of Britain's imperial past does not make it so simply because he says it is so.

P. Bellermann, Sherman, Texas

We are horrible imperialists. Ask the Filipinos, and Japanese. I'd say you could ask the Cubans as well, but you'd have to ask the ones who escaped Castro's dictatorship to get anything but the state authorized answer.

We just don't make good imperialists at all, because we're not imperialists.

Nobody in the U.S. will be surprised or influenced by this. This fawning interview he gave to a Muslim lifestyle magazine embodies everything that is wrong with the current state of the Anglicans. A cowardly bending to the current breeze in all things. Intellectually, morally, and theologically.

It certainly isn't leadership the Archbishop is demonstrating, but then he won't end up getting his head chopped off like Theo Van Gogh.

Matt, Dallas, Texas

America was colonized by people who wanted to get away from Europe. And based on the comments of the Archbishop and many on this post, I now understand why. This is one American who wishes America would end it's involvement in all these affairs of the world and focus instead on our own problems at home.

Tim, San Jose, USA

The archbishop is a buffoon, echoing far left rhetortic that continues to undermine the US, and what's left of this church in Europe. The US has made mistakes in Iraq to be sure, but going in there to rid the world of a brutal thug (along with his sadistic, immoral sons) - when the rest of the world either looked the other way, or had their hand out for bribes, was the only Christian solution. Decent, honorable solutions are not easy, they are often unpopular, difficult, and untimely, but there is no question the US did the right thing in Iraq and Afghanistan. The archbishop needs to shut up and get back to herding his dwindling flock back into the church.

Bill, peoria, illinois

I refuse to get into a pissing contest with a bunch of skunks. Is there such a thing as being to patriotic? The Americans seem to have an uncanny ablility to be able to justify any action taken by their government upon others just because they say so. Anyway, my point is, you need to try and remain objective. In heinseight its easy to criticise others such as the British in the past, that doesnt mean, that the US are doing the right thing for the future. For proof that the americans are blindly patriotic: Look at fox news (it says it all).

Tom storer, Worcester, UK

The archbishop is quite correct in his view that the US is misguided by a false sense of mission. Far from being a god-supported country, I think any existing god would be horrified by the chasm between the myth and the reality of capitalist domination and coercion. However, the US is not alone in its arrogant assertion of imperial dominance and disdain for lesser mortals, for this is a basic ingredient of the Western mindset, a mindset that has affected Britain in its genocide against the Irish since the time of Cromwell, as well as in England's far-from-perfect imperial projects in India and elsewhere. Certainly the archbishop is misguided also in his view that somehow England's domination of India was benevolent and gentle; it was, in fact, just as brutal in its day as is America's brutality towards the nations with resources that it wants.

Dayahka, Aberdeen, USA

Mr. Williams I recommend you head back to history class and restudy the British rule of India. Having your soldiers fire on a group of 10,000 unarmed women and children is a pretty perverted version of "pouring energy and resources into administering it and normalising it."

America today is by no means the moral champion of the world but Mr. Archbishop go study Amritsar's Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919 and save any more comparisons until you see just how Britain "administered" and "normalized" India.

Frank, New York, NY

America-Bashing has become so tired and old, I'm really surprised it is even considered news anymore.

And Americans that respond to it are shallow minded boobs. I don't give a flick what some old geezer and his compatriates think.

The US needs to isolate itself from the rest of the world -completely. Let's withdraw the taxpayers money, and American enterprise from every country in the world - get out of the UN and get the UN out of the US and let the rest of the world cough up their tax dollars - just leave us out of it.

RWW, Kalispell, Montana

I love this archbishop, as I love hearing the truth (even when I don't like to hear it). To the commenter who says people like me are the"enemy within": those who are trying to align America's actions with American virtues people like you only give lip service to, are not the enemy. If you want a great country, then make it great: fight against torture, spying, war and corruption. If you want a free country; fight for your civil liberties, instead of attacking as "un-American", the people are who are trying to do just that. Those who want to preserve the Constitution; the grand blueprint for how to live together as free human beings, are not the enemy. Those of you who close your eyes to the disconnect between the words of our "leaders" and their actions, are the ones who are enabling a dictatorship. America is starving for good actions- not words, her ribs are showing and she is eating her own children. Wake up and help her.

K. Anderson, Prairie Village, KS, USA

Please before anyone in the UK has any credibility they need to do the following; return the Falkland islands, pay reparations to Africa and Asia for the looting and destruction of their lands and cultures, disband the royal family (a global symbol of past oppression), pay reparations to the middle east for destroying tribal boundaries and creating the bogus countries that exist there today which have given rise to so much hate and blood shed in the region. You scream for America to fix what you have broken and we are forced to step up and try to bring stability to a middle east which YOU created. So my friends why don’t you finally atone for your centuries of exploitation of the 3rd world and then you can give the USA a mighty “holier than thou” speech. Until then keep washing but the blood of the past wont come off your hands. Scrub… Scrub… But hey this is just one imperialist's opinion.

Greg, Rio Rico, AZ USA

"He said the crisis was caused not just by America’s actions but also by its misguided sense of its own mission. He poured scorn on the “chosen nation myth of America, meaning that what happens in America is very much at the heart of God’s purpose for humanity”."
===================================
Of course, like it or not, the archbishop is totally correct; our arrogant imperialism, which some of us fancy has been ordained from above, makes us look like deluded punks on the world stage, and..., well, we are. I am disgusted by what our so-called leadership has done to the Republic. The world's energy crisis could be totally solved if we could figure out a way to harness the power of our Founding Fathers spinning in their graves over what has become of their marvelous experiment in Philadelphia under the leadership of deluded and self-regarding and power-aggrandizing dolts since at least the '30's.

Michael Kennedy, Palm Springs, California

Wow, the Archbishop is soooooo insightful. It is amazing how he can differentiate the "bad" America trying to defend itself from the "good" muslims, just getting by.... ignoring the radicals in their midst, the beheadings, chemical weapons, lashings of rape victims, a few subway bombings here and there, the search for a nucelar bomb to use on civilians, etc, etc. The USA has made its mistakes in the war on terrorism, and we need to move back to a more moral leadership (which will happen in the next election no matter which party), but we are head and shoulders above most of the rest of the world, who just sits on their hands and waits to be attacked and pretends there is not a problem. The inevitability of a large civilian attack by Muslim extremists looms large---what will the poor archBishop say when the blood of his parishoners flows? Will he blame America for that too? Spare us your arrogant colonialist lectures on your "wisdom" , which first divided Iraq and Palestine.

seattleslew, seattle,

To Patrick Ryan in Dublin: My friend you have no clue as to the importance of the United States in WWII. Without America there IS no acceptable victory in Europe. That's not meant to diminish the British (and others) efforts--they were extraordinary. But the fact of the matter is without America's manufacturing muscle coupled with our excellent fighting force Britian would have needed to rely solely on the Soviet Union to win the war. Does that really sound like a good option to you considering the plight of Eastern Europe once under Soviet control? I suggest you learn a bit more about American and world history before you denigrate the noble efforts of our nation in WWII. I also recommend you read what Winston Churchill had to say about the importance of America's role in the war.

Ben McCarley, Oklahoma City, U.S.A./Oklahoma

Clueless...Utterly clueless. I'd think a well educated fellow like the Archbishop might have a slightly more indepth understanding of politics, and history. He sounds like a bad clich'e of all of Bush's political rivals. Intellectual dishonesty and a Chamberlan-esk approch to people who deeply and religiously devoted to their ends justify the means actions, borders on the aristrocratic nieve. I can see the Archbishop now "let them eat cake" as they fly a airbus into picadilly.

Mario, Houston, Texas

Once and for all , Rowan Williams has shown himself the elaborately-robed, statist compromiser of truth and of standards, and the icon of politically correct folly that some British citizens once desired to leave Britain to avoid . The result was the America that Williams now has the "boldness" to attack

I would like to see the very Courageous and Upright Williams just once try criticising Islam and its gross Human Rights abuses . Cannot do it , can he ? We all know why , and it isnt because of America's bad character .

Dr .Tris , Los Angeles , CA

i wonder if the total idiot ever said anything about the real
imperialism of the collapsed soviet union. the butchery of the
people of the baltic states, the gulag, the hunger famine of
the ukraine, the 10 year slaughter of the afghans. i know he never
said a word. he is an absolute charlatan. good reason why i
am not a christian. total anger and fury.

anton, clayton, missouri

HA ! Lets not forget its the USA who is trying to clean up Great Britian's Imperial colonial mess. Look at all the problem spots in the world, and you will see a country/border mess created by the UK (palistine, Iraq, INdia/pakistan/kasmier). Good job Britan. Oh, and your welcome for USA bailing you out in WW1 and WW2. Was America being a bad imperialist then? Think about that next time you realize your speaking English and not German ...

Jefe, Washington DC, USA

I am saddened by the level of discourse here. I do think that we Americans are often a bit myopic when it comes to our role in the world and in history. We do not sufficiently acknowledge, say, the sacrifice of France and Britain before we entered WWII. However, I do find it equally sad that other countries today scorn us but neverthess want our help, such as having our navy to go to Liberia, Somalia etc, when needed. We have had 30,000 troops in Korea for 55 years. That is much money we could spend on health care, etc., if we left the Korean Peninsula alone. But who wants us there? Let's see: Russia, China, Japan, South Korea. So, we stay there and are scorned for our arrogance often by those same countries. We patrol the oceans with our navy and keep the sea lanes open, but other countries make fun of us. Often times, I feel like others view us as suckers--they like what our military (and budget) often provides, but never once say thank you for that form of "aid."

Brian, Gilroy, California, USA

Christianity is an irrelevance in the UK today. The Church of England is an anachronism which, paradoxically, last enjoyed moral authority during Empire - which it used to prosleytise to people whose lives were probably better before the preachers came along to spread God's word.

As an Englishman, I'd like to disown the comments of someone who is unrepresentative of public morality in my country in the 2007. Rowan Williams is simply the logical conclusion of a century of liberal Victorian politics dressing itself up in a robe in an attempt to dictate what "nice people" do and think. He's a sextagenarian hippy with a surplice and a subscription to The Independent. We can tolerate this sort of embarrassing arrogance in England because it's our embarrassment, easily ignored; no one goes to church any more. But there's no reason why Americans should have to listen to it.

Jon Jones, London, England

Imperialism is a spoil of war. The US not only gets nothing from Iraq in the form of trade goods or services but spends countless dollars to build a infrastructure in a country that has had little to crow about. And when the task is complete we will leave it better than we found it (aka Korea, Japan, Germany, France and the UK).

The best thing a country can do is LOSE to the US! It guarantees a future brighter than would otherwise be possible!

Perhaps the Archbishop should go back to editting the Bible (a task most peculiar to the Anglican Church). However, this may indeed be the real reason the Anglicans are diminishing by the day.

Kyle, Houston, Texas USA

Yeah, you're right...America the Evil Imperialist Empire. We American Imperialists could not possibly send more foreign aid (money, medicine, supplies) to other countries than any other country on the face of the planet. When disaster strikes anywhere in the world, we Imperialists are usually the first to respond with help. I guess we can't do that anymore since the Archbishop of Canterbury has figured out that we plan on ruling the world. Better start learning the English language China. Beware world, we are on the march! The Evil Americans are on the way!! Hide your women and children. EGAD!

Mike, College Station the mean., USA the Bad/Texas the Worse

I applaud the archbishop. The United States is indeed imperialist in the worst way. We feel that our view is the view of God. To against us is to go against God. yes, we were attacked on 9/11. Yes it was a crime. That does not in any way justify the crimes, swagger, and arrogance that we have shown in these some seven years since. The Archbishop is correct. Thank God.

Jeff , King of Prussia, PA,

I'm a Catholic of Scots descent. My distant ancestors were expelled from your fair isles for practicing their faith. We don't have to worry about that over here. Neither do Baptist nor Methodists, who were also exiled for their beliefs. And, by the way, Episcopalians and others from the Anglican Communion are also free to practice theirs as well, and to elect those to office who best exemplify their ethics.

The Archbishop of Canterbury sits on a chair stained with the blood of priests, and earned for him by the "divine" right of a King. For him to lecture us about imperialism is his right, but that does not mean he is right. When one points an accusatory finger, three point back.

Douglas Campbell, Culver City, California, USA

THE Archbishop of Canterbury is about as relevent as Michael Jackson the true threat is the decline of Christainity in Europe and the rise of Islam. The Archbishop needs to address the abortion and the killing of innocent babies across the world and the threat of terrorism and countries like Iran who bring a greater threat to this world then Hitler did in the the 1940's. The Archbishop of Canterbury needs to address the rise of homosexuality in his church and secular humanism. Mr Archbiship just shut up and look in your own house before you look in some one elses.
Ruben O

Ruben Ochoa, El Paso, TX, United States

Joan, Rowan is an Anglican, not a Roman Catholic. It does seem interesting to me that Jesus seemed to excercise his opportunities to speak to teach about the Kingdom of God rather than criticize earthly governments. Perhaps teaching the gospel instead of making political statements, churches in England would start to have real influence again.

Kevin, Austin, Texas, USA

Count the Gravestones of brave Americans
in Normandy.

Sally, St Paul , USA

I will now proceed to jump out of my basement window. Goodbye cruel world !

R.G.Rankin, Keyport, NJ

I am still laughing so hard over "Where's Henry VIII when you need him" I hardly know what to say. But I will say this, many of my fellow Americans have defended America so well here, I have nothing to add. Thank you one and all and GOD Bless America.

Paula Higgins, Marietta, Georgia USA

The United States is the defacto world leader and will be for a long time to come. The United States of North America is in making and will be dominated by the United States of America.When this happens you will see some real change on the world stage

John Pusinsky, Baltimore, USA

Brilliant words from the leader of a church that whose own foundations are cumbling into the dust bin of history.

Rciahrd Hite, Galena, Oh

Why is it the west tries to continually bash itself and its history? Sure all countries have made mistakes but the former colonies of the British empire are now the best developing nations in the world. An accomplishment you should be proud of and not ashamed off. The USA has never tried to take over another nation though there have been many opportunities to do so.
I support the war in Iraq and feel that it was done for noble reasons and will prove to be benificial in the long run for the Iraqi people and the world as a whole.

Tony Czaplicki, columbus, Ohio

What the bisop has said is wellcome,but he sounds like a woman after a fat divorce settlement, who preaches the vitrures of marriage.

michael joseph heavey, cahersiveen>adams towns, madness

If the United States were attempting to seek control through an imperialistic agenda, we would have stayed in Kuwait and made it a territory directly under US control.

Right or wrong, this Administration has taken a course for one reason alone; to try and stabilize a region that has for decades been a boiling pot. In an attempt to bring democracy to a region run by despots, royal families, and stone-age concepts of humanity; ultimately this may fail. But,it may not as well. Only history will prove whether this course of action was right or wrong. Remembering that the US played key roles in starting democracies in Japan, Germany, and other smaller countries, this course of action has precedent.

It is always being an armchair quarterback. Know this, the same attitudes and criticism that continually attack this US direction would have caused consequences far beyond imagination if these were adopted as the correct course of action in 1940.

Read a history book sometime.

Mark, Fairbanks, Alaska

I think this archbishop needs to look at the history of British rule in Ireland and he may take back his comments. After the British destroyed our language and many parts of our culture and customs, suppressed the Catholic faith and let millions of our people starve and die during the Great Famine, it is unbelievable that he refers to this type of colonization as taking over a territory to "pour energy and resources into administering it and normalizing it".

Sean, Dublin, Ireland

Thank you Archbishop Williams. You are right the US should withdraw from the world and take care of its own problems. Who is prepared to bear the burden in blood and treasure that Americans have borne for the past 50 years? Having spent 2 tours in Iraq and 3 in the Middle East and Asia prior to 9/11, policing the legacy of European Imperialism, I can say that I am tired of being a world leader. I want less American troops overseas intervening in humanitarian crises, spend less American dollars buoying struggling democracies and I want to focus inward on our own domestic troubles. We Americans collectively have had enough of the burden of global leadership. I assume that the UK and the EU are ready to assume the mantle of leadership when we withdraw from the world? Good luck, I hope you are ready for the responsibilities, pain and unfounded criticism that awaits you.

Keven Matthews, Honolulu , USA/Hawaii

I would remind the "good " archbishop that if it wasn't for American "Imperialism" he would be speaking in German. Also the great myth is that Imperialism is bad. It only gave Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, India and thousands of other countries a base of government in western democracy and freedom. Unfortunately half of of these colonies fell apart after the "imperialist " left and the self directed colonies became tin pot dictatorships. The world would much better off with the British and American empire still in tact.

Kurt , Harrisburg, USA

If the "States way of life is non-negotiable" to quote the states wise leader, what chance does Western Civilisation have?

Americas mission seems to be carry on regardless and grab whatever they can from the world to suit their own perceived needs for a good life.

How sustainable would the world be if everyone behaved like the USA? There is absolutely no need to drive round in massive SUV's with ridiculously low MPG figures. If the USA took a long good look at itself and modified it's own greed, gluttony and wrath towards other nations there might not be as much need to invade other countries around the world.(there's a few of the seven sins there!) The states use of food and resources is scandalous.

Look at the USA's empire today, it's crumbling. They are desperately trying to throw their weight around as all dying empires do. The dollar is crumbling, central banks the world over are dumping it, they have no oil left, recessions a coming.
Step aside America your time is up.

Scott, Aberdeen, UK

The comment from Joan in Orlando Florida was a bit off the mark. Rowan Williams is not a Catholic and does not report to the Vatican. Rather, he is the leader of the Anglican Church of England.

Regarding the comments by the archbishop, I don't think England managed India all that well. Remember that India made their own clothes until England de-industrialized the garment industry to sell their own wares. It's the reason Gandhi spun his own cloth. Enland spread around its' own unique brand of misery. Oh, did I mention Ireland?

Michael McConnell, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

NEWS FLASH! Ulta-liberal Archbishop hates the US...many confused anti-American liberals from around the world agree...many see America as the root of all evil.

I have been listening and reading this line of nonsense for over 35 years now. The US is demonized by these idiots every time we make a decision to stand up to our enemies (by the way, we in the US get to decide who the enemy is, not a bunch of limp-wristed liberals/socialists from around the world) including the USSR, communist China, North Korea, and Iran. Let's try this. You have the power to transport one of two groups off the planet: the US; or a group of countries/terrorists including North Korea, Iran, Syria, and all the islamo-terrorists. Which would you choose to live with or without?

Chuck, Chicago, USA

Williams is the last person in the world that should be giving advice to anyone. Look at the state of the Anglican community in the world! Perhaps if he spent more time in the Scriptures and less time in politics he might have some moral authority. Frankly, as an American, I would be concerned if Williams started praising us.

Michael, Vermillion, South Dakota

Of course this is news - negativity sells.

It continues to amaze me how a bishop shames the church by railing against governments when they have taken little action themselves to better the world...

William, Santa Clara, California, United States

Even though some around the world only see "evil" coming out of America I would NOT want to see a world WITHOUT the USA. Things are never so bad that they can't get worse. It's a dirty job but some one has to do it! Thank GOD there are still some people who can see beyond today!
Debbie, Pa. USA

Debbie, Audubon, Pa.

We Americans should be flattered that the good Archbishop took time out from his efforts to destroy the Anglican Church in order to direct a bit of his liberal foolishness toward us. Clearly we must be on the right track.

John, Savannah, U.S.A.

Isn't the Archbishop of Canterbury a political postibg?? Not really a 'religious' leader, more a more of a moral beacon for the liberal establishment's brand plan...

Paul, South Carolina, USA

In our town, the Episcopal Church is broke and dying, while the evangelical churches are thriving. I think this deranged interview may suggest some of the reasons. How many aircraft carriers and hospital ships has the Church sent to Bangladesh? USA gets it done. End of story.

Owen Leach, Princeton, USA/New Jersey

The worst or best imperialist, who care's. USA rules the waves (and the land too)!

rowan, kerwiq,

I feel for the people in the UK, having lived there for 8 years.

Besides this maniacal Archbishop who appears to favor radical Muslim extremists by his very silence about them (and his crazed verbal attack on the U.S.), the English have the highest taxes, an outdated voting system (where they cannot vote on legislation like we can in the U.S.) and a high rate of crime. The Archbishop is only a small part of the problem that the British people face, unfortunately; it's just another chip off block in the current destruction of English day-to-day living.

And yes, it was the American soldiers who helped turn the tide in WWII; and American nuclear missiles stationed in Europe that kept it from being taken over by Russia (which Europe didn't want and protested against). We have a special relationship with Britain, after all - and one crazed, mental patient of an Archbishop shouldn't destroy that.

Lisa, Los Angeles, USA

The Archbishop defends the British occupation of India on the ground that the British stayed on to administer and normalize that country, while he faults the Americans for wanting to move on and let others put Iraq back together. Does he therefore support a continued American presence in Iraq, and a more active role for the Americans in administering the country? In other words, is the American imperialism worse because it has not gone far enough?

David Klassen, Vancouver, Canada

The Archbishop offers a valid critique of American hegemony. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we may attend to humane problem-solving in accord with the intenational community.

Alven, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Rowan Williams doth protest too much!
The United States has nothing to apologise for, considering the well documented rape and pillage of the world by the English/British Empire!

Mr. Lachie Todd, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

I guess the archbishop can be added to the list of ignorant people on this earth looking for scapegoats when there are none. The USA has gone to the aid of other countries and their people so many times yet this archbishop refuses to acknowledge it or is possibly so simple of mind he refuses to be objective.

Memo to the Archbishop: What have you to say about president Bush's peace summit at Annapolis? What about Darfur or Ruwanda? What did you do to prevent those genocides or to help their victims? Actions speak louder than words. Other than judging the USA, what exactly have you done to make this a better world?

pd, del mar, usa/ca

The whole world despises the United States??? Perhaps you didn't hear the speech that Sarkozy gave to a joint session of Congress a couple of weeks ago. Look it up - it's full of adoration, not condemnation.

Dale, Manchester, NH

Glad to see an Archbishop whose brain is still connected to his heart. Yes, U.S. imperialism is the most wicked thing on earth right now; you can even call it Christofascism ala Bush and his Fourth Reich. Heil, Bush!

Ruben B. Botello, Shippensburg, USA/PA

This coming from a man who's own company has paid millions of dollars to the victims of sexual abuse at the hands of these so called "Christen" men. The harm they have done to millions of children is horrible. The Vatican is a joke.

Joan, Orlando, Florida

Yes, I know that when the aging hippie rides the bus -- he does ride the bus, doesn't he? -- his worst fear is being blown up by American imperialist yankee cowboys.

Mack, Kirbyville, Texas

+++Rowan is right. It's amazing to see how his few honest words about America have raised hundreds of vitriolic and, in some cases, mean-spirited ad hominem remarks about him, his country and the Church.

What, Americans can't tolerate criticism? Is this why we are just SO happy and content with our president, the war, and our current government? And the fact that each one of us (and future generations) are funding a $2 trillion war and occupation, leaving us vulnerable to the REAL problem countries, such as Iran and N. Korea.

Grow up, fellow Americans. Instead of condemning a peacemaker who is expressing his concerns over the state of the world, why not reflect on his observations and be honest about our current activities in the world. Look around you at the faces of our people in the shopping centers and on the streets. Do you see peace and contentment, by and large? "Retail therapy" isn't keeping the masses satiated for long. We need an awakening.

Julia, Abilene, TX USA

Not Amazing! The guy who heads a divided Church, falling into decay and divisiveness, no longer able to convey the Gospel, sits down with one of those who refuses to recognize Jesus Christ as divine and claims to know what the hell is going on in the world around him.

Something about the log in his own eye. Hypocrite!

Pk, GTA, Canada

You will find much agreement here (USA) . You see... the enemy is here also along with all those frightened children.

Richard G.Rankin, Keyport, nj

The archbishop is full of it. I'm on my way to the 10 am mass. There are four every Sunday and one each weekday. I get there 40 minutes early in order to get a seat.
But not to worry all will soon be OK in the UK. You will all be praying to the moon god five times a day or on your knees waiting for the sword.

Jim Cavanaugh, Narragansett, Rhode Island USA

Rowan who?

Geoff, Cincinnati, USA

Although essentially correct is his comments about the United States, the venue chosen by the Archbishop to express his concerns is most unfortunate. It may be too much to expect a sense of history, however, from one who evidently has never heard of the Amritsar Massacre.

Dave Johnson, Boston, Massachusetts USA

In the words of Colin Powell, the only land we may ask for is that sufficient to bury our soldiers after securing your freedom.

"Imperialism of influence" is a bastardization of concepts based on the fundamental misguided premise of cultural equality - that there is a moral equivalence in dictatorships, tyrannies, fascist caliphs, republics, and democracies so long as all are adhering in name and guidance to some higher diety.

Notwithstanding that history is vacant of examples of democracies attacking other democracies, promoting the God-given right of individual self-determination within a culture tolerant of different non-violent allegiances is certainly not only noble, but essential to self-preservation.

That fundamental reality is not only biblical but logical and emperical. The Archbishop is completely off his crackers..

Steeley, Seattle, WA

It's sorry to see that the more things change the more they stay the same. What worked so well for Neville Chamberlain is still given credence in Euro circles. The blood of tens of millions will never be removed from the appeaser's hands. For those that think the likes of Saddam Hussein and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad can be reasoned with are doomed to the fate of their appeaser forefathers. I'm sure the archbishop, if given the chance, will bring 'peace for our times.'

Dave, Burke,, VA, USA

The trouble with the United States is that it is not imperialistic enough. The British philosopher C.D.Broad perceived this in 1953:
"From historical causes [the United States] has been specially unwilling to undertake the responsibilities of empire and to exert that pressure on backward and quarrelsome peoples which its wealth and power would enable it to do. For my own part I think that the best that could happen to the rest of the world is that the United States should become MORE imperialistic, and that it should endeavour to fill the very dangerous vacuum created by the collapse of the British empire. If they should take up this burden they will inevitably make many mistakes, but those who will not risk making mistakes will never make anything".

Bernard Gilland, 3060 Espergaerde, Denmark

Soviet army won WWII. That's the fact! USA and UK were just helping !

kaikko, tådo,

It is disappointing that so many of the comments that attack the Archbishop are from the USA. Our policies on world affairs these past seven years have been nothing more than a disaster brought about by the actions of a group of neocons that are attempting to reintroduce the crusades. We are a great nation and we have done great things for the world. We are generous to a fault and have been respected by many throughout the world since our founding more than 200 years ago. It has been only by the actions of this pathetic administration that the world community has been forced to change its opinion of the USA. By the middle of next November the American public will have spoken and regardless of the party which claims the White House, the ills of the Imperial Bush administration will at last be finished. I can only ask the world community to give us another chance to again become a member of the world community rather than the bully of the world.

steven van eman, New Richmond, ohio USA

Where's Henry VIII when you need him..........

Joe, Conyers, GA

It seems some would rather rewrite history then admit gratitude or express respect for the evil USA. If the USA was not crucial to the WWII European theater, the USA would never have fought in Europe First. And, w/o the lend-lease program...

I don't expect gratitude. But, neither do I expect a rewriting of history just so you can build your own egos and justify your hatred of the USA. The point of remembering events of WWII is not to hear you say 'thank you'. It is to remind you that we are allies who fight, and die, for each other. Such a relation is to be valued, not spit on and thrown into the trash by a confused generation. It is the next generation that will wonder what irrationality destroyed one of the greatest alliances in the history of mankind.

sam, sd, usa

The Archbishop is right on the mark.

Tom, Phoenix, USA

Normalized!!! That what was done to India. Can't wait to get a read on that from my Indian colleagues! The British OCCUPIED India. You don't colonize an existing society with an extensive culture and deep history of intellectual development. What a euphemism for systematic starvation, brutal repression and exploitation. As an ex colonial, now an American citizen I read the complete history of my country and realized that the BE was ALWAYS about exploitation all the way to soldiers to be squandered in England's wars. Once I got to that point I coughed up all that British garbage, became an American citizen and have never felt better. The AofC doesn't know how stark naked he is using the BE as a positive example for the US, who, by the way, saved the nation of my birth in WWII.

John, California

John Meyer, Tracy,

"wields its power in a way that is worse than Britain during its imperial heyday"

No nation in history has plundered, murdered and abused like Britain. The legacy of their traditions (racism, class structure etc.) continued to reap misery for countless generations after their departure.

Have another drink from the communion goblet, Archbishop.

Lawrence MacCallum, Bloomsbury, NJ

Your Grace, you are wrong, wrong, wrong. Please consider the harm you are doing. Actually, to use Oliver Cromwell's heart-felt words, "I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken. . . ".

Instituted Aoclyte, San Jacinto County, Texas, USA

I think the Archbishop s comments are appropriate as they can be dissociated from the specifically religious. America is all about winning. George Bush has frequently said it loud and clear. We will defeat the terrorists. We will win. The point is that this is fundamentally in conflict with democracy, which is about continuity and compromise, and there is no way you can relate these two positions. Thus, if America pursues George Bush s vision, it is pursuing confusion and chaos. America could be and has been of great assistance, but, if the winners in America remain in charge of the agenda, they are going to be at least as much hindrance as they are help to the rest of the world, from their lives of surrealist luxury in Washington.

Henry Percy, London, UK

Well, I'll say one thing, that put the cat amonst the pidgeons !!!

Phil de Buquet, Newport, England

It may also explain why the churches and cathedrals of Europe stand empty.

James Callahan, Los Angeles, California

The USA has nothing to worry about when this meddlesome prelate opens his mouth. Very few in Britain have any respect for his views. In fact most think his true calling is as a Welsh Druid.
So don't lose any sleep America.

Jim, London, United Kingdom

The "worst" imperialist? Does that mean there was a "best" imperialist?

Kevin67, Ohio, USA

The archbishop is right...Let 'Great Britain' correct the past colonial problems it has created...Starting with Palestine. Let's see how much of a better imperialist nations GB will be!

P. Lee, Chicago, USA/IL

ha! the church in ENGLAND is a has been, and will continue to be one unless theY get rid of the radical thinking of the upper echelon, no wonder its such a mess, look at what they have leading them

RHETT, peoria, az,usa

This anti American dribble will help push the few remaining American Episcopals out of a FAILING INSTITUTION.

RR, Houston, TX, USA

The arrogance of the American posting on this page is disgusting. To say that you have a deeply skewed view of your importance in European affairs is an understatement. The USAs contribution to WW2 was important, but not crucial the allied victory. And the US' hand was forced by Pearl Harbour. I am sickened by the intolerance and homophobia of many of the citizens of your "Great" Nation. Learn some tolerance and learn some history.

Patrick Ryan, Dublin, Ireland

Amazing! I'd sitting hear reading this month's issue of Smithsonian Magazine featuring an excerpt from Michael Korda's new biography on Dwight Eisenhower, describing D-Day and the sacrifices of our societies (American and British) to fight despotism, and now I read that the head of the Anglican Church is criticizing the same American and British willingness to shed blood solely to liberate others. The Archbishop needs to do a little further history reading, and maybe visit a few of the many cemeteries outside of his village churches, and say thank you!

Edward Weinberg, Louisville, Kentucky

To The Archbishop of Canterbury: "Walk a mile in our shoes - before you use - criticize and abuse... walk a mile in our shoes."

Please - wake up.

John, West Chester, PA

As a gay American Episcopalian I condemn Rowan Williams. I will not call him archbishop because that would dishonor the title. His comments are offensive to me and most American Christians. Of course this is ok because it is fashionable in todays anti-American, anti-Christian fascist world. For the head of a church to say this is just extremely hateful.

If Rowan Williams and the Islamo fascist have there way gays and others would be put to death. He condemns "American Imperialism" yet his form of Imperialism is ok?

Resign Rowan Williams.

Larry , San Antonio, Texas

Is this not the same man who contributes to the decadence of western society by sanctioning homosexuality and same sex marriage??

Tony, Greenville, South Carolina

As an American that is deeply embarassed over my fellow countrymen/country women, over what American is doing and has become, I say right on ArchBishop!!!!

helpusall, orlando, florida

Has Harry Reid recruited the Archbishop to run for a Democrat Senate seat in 2008? More realistically, it really sounds to me as if refugee Frenchmen from the Chirac government are running the Church of England today.

Andy Chapman, LaBelle, USA Florida

OK. No more shipments of aid when any disaster occurs. Instead we'll give to our poor. And remember this. Behind this guy's words float a hammer and sickel.

Richard, Los Angeles, CA

Please pray for the Archbishop.

Psalms 109:8

Joseph, Tennessee, US

"The United States wields its power in a way that is worse than Britain during its imperial heyday".

So what? what can you British do?

Kam Wong, Hong Kong, HKSAR

In 100 years their will not be an Archbishop of Canterbury but a Grand Imam of London as Christianity will be outlawed in the UK. I think you should get a better idea of who are your friends and who are your enemies. Western Civilization will not survive if we are not willing to defend it. Enjoy Sharia you spineless cowards.

Xavier, Chicago, USA

The Archbishop of Canternury is the spiritual head of one of the most divided and dysfunctional churches in the world. He should set his own house in order before he starts giving lectures to others. In addition to being ill-informed about the facts and a panderer to those who hate the US, he is practicing this very imperialism himself, by telling the US what it should do. I also don't think that in his flip-flopping on gay and female ordination he has earned the authority to use the words "moral high ground". Go read your Bible Mt Archbishop in place of giving interviews to muslim magazines. That would be much more helpfull to you and everybody else.

Jason, Portland, US

Why are so many Americans reading and commenting on a British newspaper? Is it that they cannot find any place for open discussion in the US?

David, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

So now the Church of England will be donating its parishoners funds to far right fascists in the Middle East? The idea that the US (which isn't an imperialist nation, but one that believes in liberalism) is somehow worse than the British, who built their empire on slavery, the Romans/Nazis, Aztecs & Mongols who based theirs on appalling violence or the Soviets who based theirs on denying their own populations even basic decency is utterly infantile.

mark mcfarland, dubai, uae

Come on you Americans, before you go off on one, after all we are cousins:
(1) Yes we are grateful (very grateful) for your help in the 2 world wars and we always will be - but just remember, your 2nd World War was 41 to 45 - ours was 39 to 45 and we lost proprtionately more people, material and financially, similarly in WW1.
(2) We still put up with, without complaint, stories of how America won these wars singlehandely in every movie ever made!
(3) All churchmen are liberal lefties so what do you expect?
(4) We are your loyalist ally, but we're not always listened to.
(5) The Archbishop may have one point: soldiering with some sensitivity and forward planning based on knowledge of a different culture can sometimes be effective. The use of overwhelaming power, brute force and destruction hardly wins hearts and minds. Having said that, we had 450,000 troops in Iraq in the 1920s and we got nowhere then, what makes you think it will be any different now?

Thomas, Lancashire, UK

It is the Archbishop who is negative, not the pro U. S. commentators.

John, High Ridge, MO

As an Episcopalian it is funny (not ha ha) to hear Dr Williams' assesement of the United States as he is about to destroy the Anglican Communion single handed for fear of offending.

Perhaps this is his resignation speach....we can only pray.

Jeff, Winston-Salem,, NC

Dr. William is perfectly alright what he said in his interview in the EMEL magazine. Agreeing with Dr. William, my appeal to the Western regimes that accept others for who they are and for the choices they have made even you have difficulty in their believes, their motives and action. Look deep inside the hearts of the Muslim believers around you and you will see the goodness and beauty within.

Hassan Farooqi, LOUBHBROUGH, UK

It's sad to see just how low the Brit's have fallen. A once proud people - leaders of the world - have now become delusional about their place in history. Perhaps the Archbishop has experience the sudden onset of Alzheimer’s or has the whole Anglican Church forget their sins by trying sweep their own misdeeds under the rug. The Holier than Thou attitude of the leader of this false church just shows just how far from the true teaching of Christ the British have fallen. After all it was Christ that said "let those that have not sinned cast the first stone". Those that live in glass houses should not cast stones. I think the Archbishop should take the advice of the King of Spain and "just shut up"!

Starowonder, Bethlehem, New South English Wales

Is this not the black calling the kettle pot ? And I always thought he was a comedian. Americans are tired of defending even themselves,nevermind the rest of the planet. Go away.

R.G.Rankin, Keyport, NJ

This man needs to get his own house in order first and formost.

Juanita, St Albans, England

After thought here.
You Americans on this site bashing the USA, you're considered "the enemy within." Every country has them just like the Archbishop is to Britain.
The second amendment is a glorious thing.

pat, Leesville, Louisiana

To John, San Diego

You say "Europeans never have shown appropriate gratitude for America's role in WWI and WWii and its continued protecting of western Europe from the Russians and Chinese during the cold war years"

You are ignorant. In WW1, American influence on the outcome of the war was weak. In WW2 the Nazis lost the war mainly because they fought on two fronts - and the Russian was by far the biggest of them. Protect Europe against China? Are you serious? :-) Yes, I give you one questionable point out of four possible. USA had a very strong role protecting Western Europe for 40 cold years. However, it was not for free....
Please Wiki for good sources.

Another thought -
If your grandfather was almost drowning, and my grandfather saved him - how fun do you think it is when I remind you of that 60 years later, and say "You don't show enough appreciation of me"?

Finally, I commend the archbishop to speak what we all feel. USA got wonderful people with criminal leaders. Fix it.

Christer Lindstrom, Stockholm, Sweden

Well and bravely spoken by the Archbishop. The world can only hope that the next US president has the wisdom, compassion and sense of history to repair the damage wrought by the current administration!

Anna Wachtmeister, Stockholm, Sweden

It is very sad that a leader of the Christian religion should heap criticism on America (and there is criticism to be made) and yet speak mildly of the people who in the name of Allah commit atrocity after atrocity. If he has such a firm conviction in his faith, let him go to Iraq, Iran or Saudi Arabia and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jim, Worcester, USA

I have 2 great uncles lying somewhere in France..killed in WW I. Never again.
The Eurotrash can do it themselves next time.
It is time to bring all our troops home from Europe, and arm ourselves to the max. The rest of the world can go to hell.

Forrest Parker, Jamaica Beach , Texas, USA

I like this archbishop. he is 1 of the few unblinded who sees the new fascism

mark, el paso, tx

"Worst Imperialist" of all? What about the action and policy of the British Empire during its "golden" age? Selling opiums to China and then taking HK as colony just to name a few.

Henry, Hong Kong,

After World War II, the US could have taken the whole worthless lot of Countries ALL over the World.. We could have Controlled and exploited their resources and decimated their populations..

But the only thing we desired was title to the ground where we buried our dead.

The Archbishop is deranged to believe that the US wants anything more than for Countries like Afghanistan and IRAQ to become civilized members of the World Community.

Don , Southern California, USA

Isn't it sad that when the church for once leads with moral judgement so many are quick to condem. I applaud the Archbishop for having the courage to do his job where others before him have simply caved in to the loudest voices in the community. I also think it is sad that the Times only shows the negative comments in its summary!

David Bone, Coventry, West Midlands

The Bishop shows how much freedom of expression is restricted by Islamic intimidation, but not when the criticism is against America and the audience is Islamist.

Dave, Rutland, USA

Another sniveling post-colonial guilt projector whines about the country that saved his ass from the Germans (twice) and the Soviets. Further, harsh criticism for America and none for Islam when this guy would be one of the first people to lose his head to the jihadis. This guy would make a good Democrat.

Tiv, Columbia, SC

As an Anglican, I am simply ashamed of the comments of Rowan Williams.

Jim Good, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

How sad! While post-Christian European civilization is quietly expiring by choosing not to reproduce itself, its numbers are being replaced by people who are passionate believers, however misbegotten the faith. This Archbishop is perhaps the perfect example of the state of European civilization - a man who openly disagrees with the foundations of the faith he has been elected to lead.
The Muslim belief that they are winning this last Crusade seems more justified every day. Diversity, moderation, political correctness, and leaders like this will do us all in in the long run.
.

Milton, Salisbury, NC, USA

Typical Muslim Apologist.

No unkind words to the peaceful muslims.. for fear.

Eric Frederick, London , England

The Archbishop of Canterbury commends the Muslim practice of praying to God five times a day? They aren’t praying to his God. I suppose he’d be ecstatic to learn that I pray to my desk ten times a day, just so long as I’m praying.

Jerry , Houston, TX , USA

I live in Houston, Texas, and men like George Bush and his good cop-bad cop father are all over this town. Rather than make a secure place in the world for their nation and its posterity, they want the world and everything in it and have now brought the world down on us. They have a long term plan for nothing except their own personal wealth and that of their private institutions. They have no vision and no humility. They are insular and ignorant yet you can cut their hubris with a butter knife. My family came through Ellis Island from Northern Europe and I'm thankful, every day, that I grew up in an immigrant neighborhood in Chicago so there was no deep immersion in the arrogant, superficial, violent, hillbilly culture that has taken hold of the U.S.

Paul Anderson, houston, usa/texas

Mr Ed Franks of Pasadena does having a misguided sense of your own importance also extend to you letting everyone know you've got a PhD? You're full of it and represent what's wrong with your country in a nutshell.

Sean V, Exeter,

The "Archbishop" has either forgotten his country's 500yr history of global imperialism, slavery, plunder, and murder for "her majesty's sake" or just woke up from a "Rip Van Winkle-like" slumber .

A Thomsa, Chester, The United States

I think this guy is a Muslim dressed in Christian clothing. To know more about where he is coming from I suggest the book "Londonistan" by Melanie Philips and published by Enconter Books New York - London. Especially pages 140 -145. These remarks come as no suprise from a person who has apologized for bringing Christianity to remote parts of the world. Maybe if the Archbishop prayed more he would have less time pandering to Muslim lifestyle magazines.

Mike, USA,

With comments such as these, it is no small wonder that the Anglican Church's attendance has been dropping off as precipitously as it has.
Thank God his views are not representative of most anglicans.

Albert C.Bostwick, Aiken, USA/South Carolina

While the Archbishop may be commended for his thoughts.
He should ask himself what would had happened if we had that sentiment before World War 1.

In a perfect world there would be no strife, then again there would be no politicians, or religious leaders pushing their own control and agenda.
In reality the problems we see today is a mixture of both.
We use the police to enforce laws, however who is to enforce countries to act in a modern, social moral way we expect?
Countries must also be policed, and like in domestic breakdowns this can escalate to police having to use violence.

Without that intervention all of the Archbishop's good intentions mean nothing when millions die in Darfur, Rwanda, starving in Zimbabwe, and radicalised countries developing nuclear weapons (the Pandora box of modern society).

Aubrey, London,

With a sincere apology to the Reverend Archbishop of Canterbury, I am far from his kind of pessimism over America. With a few reservations over here and there, America is still the best nation in the world, even to many good Muslims. America's foreign policy post-9/11 put aside, still this great country is no less than the dreamland Whitman envisioned one and a half centuries back. America is my 'chosen nation'; what happens here is at heart of many people's purpose for themselves. ...If America does something seriously wrong, why, the corrective is very much there, built into the Whitmanesque fabric of its being.

The UK is equally 'best' as a nation? No, as a civilization.

M. Rezwanul Hoque, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Some of the posts here use the weak argument of "How can they say these things while our brave soldiers are in harms way"

After having spent 5 years active / 2 years reserves from ages 17-24 in the US Army, I'll state that this argument is completely invalid and amounts to nothing more than the uneducated parroting the constant, mind-controlling catch-phrases that come forth from the mainstream media and the mouth of the president himself. Bottom line is we should not be in Iraq. We should be working on an exit. We should be big enough men and women to admit our mistakes. I too was duped at the height of the war on terror. I just grew up and formed my own opinion.

We are headed for destruction if we continue this foreign policy. It is most definitely hurting our economy, it is hurting our soldiers and it is hurting our relationship with the rest of the world. We should not be in the business of nation building.

What's more, I am a staunch conservative (not a neo-con).

Carl Fuller, Huffman, TX

There is a photograph widely available on the internet of a muslim women shrouded in black carrying the sign "BE PREPARED FOR THE REAL HOLOCAUST!"

The United States is at war with islamic terrorists because islamic terrorists brought down two buildings and killed 3,000+ people on 9/11.

Does any of this bother the Arch Bishop?

Oh, and the US needs to spend more money on foreign aid.

Kind of reminds me of the anarchists in the US that detest everything about the US gov't, except give me my welfare check, my social security check, my farm support check, etc.

William Wallace, Apex, North Carolina

The vituperation below towards the Archbishop, as a result of his rather unimaginative criticisms of the US, is appalling. His mild complaints are received as evidence that he sympathizes with The Enemy. Childish.

Steve, NYC,

This from a man who has lost not only his sanity but almost all of his church members and has stated that he didn't believe in God any more.

Ken, dundee, florida

Damned foreigners all hate us because of our compassion for the poor, the fairness of our tax system, our wonderful education system, and the outstanding intelligence and integrity of our leaders.

Huntingdon G. Snodgrass, Peoria, Illinois

Is the good Archbishop a man of God or a politician? Read your words carefully, Archbishop. Are you directing the world toward Christ with your primary interest the salvation of all souls or are you making a political statement? This, I think. is the mark of our spiritual leaders. What are their interviews and dissertations and counsels focused on - Our Father in heaven or political statements about the situation here on earth. Let us pray for true peace in the hearts of all men especially our leaders and for the conversion of the world and the salvation of all.

Fr Stephen Imbarrato, Roy, NM USA

Why is it that so many of these critics of all things American and Western have to look so strange? What I see here is a man very full of himself who has a need to be noticed and to show that he is different and apart from the rest of mankind. Personally I am very weary of this type of holier than thou critic.

Mike, Abita Springs, La.

Mike, Abita Springs, U.S.A. Louisiana

I sadly agree with his commentary. However, be aware of British investments and control in many of America's companies. British influence coupled with Israel's influence within America...well, need I say any more?

Thomas, Atlanta, GA

I must have missed the news. When did the Archbishop of Canterbury convert to radical Islam?

Russ, Chicago, IL

Many people in America feel that the Europeans never have shown appropriate gratitude for America's role in WWI and WWii and its continued protecting of western Europe from the Russians and Chinese during the cold war years. The United States, especially Calif, and Arizona, want our troops and weapons to come home, not from Iraq or Israel, but from Germany, Norway, Britain, France, Greece, Italy and Spain. The money spent on these troops should be spent to fight the incursion of illegal immigrants, mostly Mexican.

I used to believe that only the intellectuals and government had contempt for America, but I am now convinced that the ordinary people resent America and don't want Americans, troops or tourists, in their countries. We should be setting a definite time for leaving Europe and should set a flexible time for leaving Iraq and other ungrateful Middle Eastern countries, except Israel.

In the short run, American companies will not be happy to lose some European markets, but..

JOhn, San Diego, CA

These remarks sadden and hurt our cause. "OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS " are in harms way, to protect us from a people of "RELIGION" that intends our complete destruction if we do not convert to their radical view of the nation of Islam. What part of this do YOU NOT UNDERSTAND! There is no living in peace TOGETHER, unless WE bow down to their teachings. Our history has proved deligence to rid the world of such cruel and radical dictators that have a vision of a world that they control our every move and thought. OUR FATHERS, MOTHERS,BROTHERS, and SISTERS BLOOD has been shed in places all over this planet for those that chose to live with the basic FREEDOMS we should be born with "PERIOD". Our basic FREEDOM OF SPEECH, that our soldiers shed their blood for, is sometimes in the mouth of IDIOTS, that bring harm for our brave men and women in the theater of WAR, a WAR THEY DECLARED ON US!!!!!!! Be STRONG in your FAITH, we shall win this war. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS and ALLIES, they are there for us

Mike, Hobbs, USA

Americans are very aware of the errors and moral void in British and Roman empires. We reject that model. The Archbishop is arrogant. He insists that the USA should rebuild Iraq to "improve it and put energy into it," as the British imperialist did in India. It is the Iraqis themselves that must make those existential decisions - the Archbishop cannot grasp that. We did not colonise Europe or Asia after WWII. We will not do that in Iraq or in any future wars that we win when some meglomaniac threatens us. If some government in the future wants to blow up an American city or support someone else who does - stand by to have your "decks cleared," but don't hold your breath waiting for America to convert you to a colony. Saddam was a mass murderer who ordered his gunners to fire on American pilots. He planned to assasinate our president. He supported terrorist who killed Americans. He permitted terrorist sanctuaries within his borders. He used chemical weapons against civilians

tom, Chandler, AZ

I love the fact Americans seem to be use the same lame-duck excuse of 'If it wasn't for us, Hitler would have won'. Europe was only a sideshow for America. A great majority of troops at D-Day were British and Commonwealth. The problem is, America usedthe same tactics it is using now of accumulating personal glory for itself, and in more than one situation is known to have threatened British generals (for instance, American general Mark Clark demanding he take Rome, or his troops would fire on the British). As in Iraq, it was a case of let the British troops do the legwork, take their glory then complain when they say they've had enough. Come on Americans, whilst we appreciate you taking down Japan, you didn't beat Hitler, so get some new arguments

Le Boutillier, Hull, England

The blind leading the blind.

J., Zug, Switzerland

Let's hope that someone buys the good Archbishop a history book on the British Empire for Christmas (if he celebrates Christmas).

If he then suddenly stops comparing US policy to Imperialist England - we'll know that he read it.

Willis, Tampa, FL

Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic. What in hell has happened to the Church of England? As an American Episcopalian, I am very close to becoming a Catholic.

sn bowen, Huron, Ohio

The Archbishop is right, of course. Read Chalmers Johnson's
"Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic" for an in-depth look at where our foreign policy has gotten us. And Johnson used to be the neocon supreme. 2012 is coming. Will you be ready?

Burlroad, Neptune Beach, FL, US

The Church of England was >responsible< for much of the early immigration to the New World. As an arm of the State, the Church helped kept people in line, causing many Englishmen to be killed or tortured when they did not follow the rules (ask an American Anabaptist, for example, why their ancestors had to leave). This behavior even caused new Christian denominations to be formed. So I guess Church of England leaders have special expertise in these matters. >>How many people of England and the US would have to die at the hands of terrorists before the Archbishop thinks it would be OK to act? Did he pay attention when the UN resolution on Iraq was passed? Did he forget that all major Intelligences services believed that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and hosted terrorists? Does he wonder what, besides cash, was in the large numbers of truck convoys from Iraq to Syria just before the war started? What about the 300-400K Iraqi people killed by Saddam? They don't matter to him?

Ray, Ashburn, VA

He's right. The Roman Empire spread itself too thin, and this contibuted to it's collapse. The recent events in Australia are very positive. Let's hope we do a good sweeping house here next election.

Jack, Atlanta, GA

THE Archbishop of Canterbury is one latest cowards who refuses to accept reality about Islam and the Koran. Kissing the Muslims butts today will not save his church hide tomorrow. His followers will have one choice : convert or die.
The USA has saved England since WWI who will save it next time if America will cease to be the world leader?

Louis defrank, Meadville, USA

The 'Church of Convenience' strikes again.

Why don't you try and abolish America, like Henry the 8th did when he abolished Catholicism so that he could divorce, marry and kill with merriement?

The Anglican church has never been a credible entity since day one.

James Sumner, New York, NY

United States imperialist? The US has not expanded its territory by force since 1898 when it obtained Cuba and the Phillipines in the Spanish-American war, and It has obviously granted those nations their independence. Far worse than Britian's imperialism? India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the US, etc, etc, etc.... Simply ignorant.

Minuteman, Concord, MA

American citizens do not necessarily agree with the way the US political system is acting out now. But the regular person here has no say except for a vote or two per year. And the voting system is corrupted. The problems are being caused by greedy power hungry politicians with no reguard to US citizens. So please do not envision America as a whole but as (1) the citizenship and (2) a seperate political machine.

Donald, Abilene, Texas

The Archbishop is a fool, and his remarks against America and the West, plays directly into the hands of the Muslim extremist. Perhaps he would change his views if he had to live in Saudi Arabia for a year.

Kevin, Lincoln, R.I

..you tell `m Rowan..just who do those yanks think they are..the very idea.. the world could do so much better......right !

It`s obvious you are ready to bow down....so be my guest..but after Nov,08 you will be on you own.....enjoy!!!

Rob_NC, That Shinning Imperial City, On the Hilltop

I just watched Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. You cannot tell me the imperial US are worse than the imperial British were. (At least using this movie as reference)

Jack Bristo, Kansas City, KS

Green cards are a ticket from daddy, america still has not grown up.

gerry, Bergen, Norway

My Grandfather was a 2nd Lt in WW I at the Argonne-Somme , he was gassed and never the same . My father flew 70 missions against the Imperial Army of Japan in WWII . Both will tell you they fought so that fools like the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury could make a complete moron of themselves without worry of being jailed .
You can ignore the problem of radical Islam , but it will not go away . The USA is the ecomonic dynamo for the world and the bread basket also . WE are not perfect , but then we are not blind as the Arch-Bishop seems to be .
Barry - Texas USA

Barry DeWalt, Arlington, Texas USA

There are those who believe that the world is in "our" control: If we are just nice in the right way - then the rest of the world will be nice back.

There are also those who believe the world will always be chaotic, so one better try to forestall the worse from happening.

The supporters of the former ironically seem to promote the stance that the those who favor the later perception are doomed to failure since you can't control the world.

The analogy of Britians rule/influence of India in the 1800s relative to America's in the 2000s leaves out at least two major distinctions: the immediacy of news and the portability of weapons (biological/nuclear/etc.).

Mark Rodgers, Denver, USA

Be not surprised Dr Williams is sucking up to the Muslims for there are now for mosques in England than Anglican churches. He isn't allowed to own a gun in his country so he's hoping the Muslims will spare him when they take over. He's sadly mistaken, of course.

Jim, Ft Myers , Florida

My recollection is that the "quick burst of violent action" is typically done to us first before we reply in kind - Pearl Harbor, the endless attacks by radical Islam which have taken place since the 70's, only culminating with the Twin Towers. I recognition of the 35-odd years it took us to get serious about defending ourselves, I think the esteemed Dr Williams ought to recognize us as the most patient nation on earth.
As an aside, my wife and I were Episcopalians for 15 years. Consistently clear thinking like this finally took its toll and we (along with hordes of others) left.

jim, leo, indiana

For such an educated man, Rowan gives us an appalling display of ignorance.

I'm not saying the Neocons aren't misguided, they are, and I'm not saying this is the best of times for America, but to favorably contrast the British Empire to modern America is about as daft as it gets. Then, the cherry on top is the appeasement of the Muslims who say themselves they want to raise the flag of Islam over Downing Street!!!

We do not have a view of the world that we are right and honest and just 100% of the time. We don't feel that way any more than the British or the French or the Germans or anybody else. That meme surely will never die in Europe, poster children for intolerable levels of cheek, if this article is any indication.

How does that saying go about glass houses?

Jason, Buffalo, NY,

And Muslims are EVER SO tolerant of homosexuals.

Dick Tuck, Warwick, RHode ISsand

Hmm, I wonder just who author of this article is?
The archbishop is simply attempting to appease the huge British Muslim population. In Florida we call it “Feeding the Alligator”. The problem is that when you stop you’ve got a hungry alligator that’s used to being fed.
When it comes down to it “that segment of their population” will just as soon cut their throats as ours.

Dorado, Key West, USA

i heard we lost the iraq war, senater ried said we did?? along with the whole demacratic party. so join them, loose america, i am so tired of being the bad country, the bad president, so we get the troops out then have rawanda take place ?? all would be good?? thank you god, for haveing president bush, also vise president chenney

greg, bothell, u s a

Ron Murray said:
“The whole Kuwait invasion was caused by the USA slant drilling and stealing Iraqi oil. Everyone seems to have lost sight of this.”

Wikipedia said:
In 1990 Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing Iraq's oil through slant drilling. Such claims are doubted to have been serious enough to justify war or the occupation of Kuwait, since the limits of directional drilling (at the time) made it unlikely that any such well could have been drilled much more than a mile from the surface location. Even doing so would have involved drilling sites close to the border and the use of sophisticated and easily identifiable equipment and personnel for extreme distances.
Nice try Ron, but the war was Sadams doing. The US was slant drilling from Kuwait into Iraq? Good one. Now that we are in Iraq, I bet we are drilling into Kuwait.. We are dam sneaky huh?
Did the whold slant drilling story sound like the Polish going into Germany to blow up a radio station just before the start of WW2??

LJ, New Bern, NC

The Abul Tahers and Ron Murrays of the world are the soft underbellies that allow radical islamists and other facists (Chavez) to subjugate the weakest people, especially women. They are basically cowards who will not fight for the basic rights of all people. Look at the decline of religion and churchgoers in Britain, as an example of the loss in faith of such people as Tahers, who have become pathetic, far left liberals that stand for accomadation, rather than fighting for the religious laws they supposedly represent. Sad, isn't it?

Chuck Miller, Bowie, MD, USA

If not US to 'do', who? God? Sometimes the world can't (shouldn't) wait for Him.

Bob Hall, New York, United States

Rowan is just sucking up to the Islamists because he can read the handwriting on the wall.
For all you brits lambasting the US involvement in the ME, study your history. You have heard of Sykes-Picot and the Balfour Declaration, no? How about Wilson's Fourteen Points, which wanted to give self determination to the Arabs, but was shunted aside by the Anglo/French Alliance. study some history folks.
And for those pissed off Aussies, when China decides to reincarnate the Greater Far Eastern Co-Prospertiy Sphere, who you gonna call? France? Good luck guys.
Warren

Warren, Tarrytown, NY/US

If the USA was an imperialistic nation then Canada, Mexico and Cuba would belong to the USA. There is so much hatred for the United States by the left in this world that they are blinded. The reason the free world does not spend huge portions of their budgets on their military is because as long as the United States exist they know we will rush in to defend them. And these same benefactors they slap us in the face with false claims of imperialism and compare us to the Nazis.
We are not trying to take over the world. If we were we would not start with Iraq, we would take over the oil of Venezuela.

Quit hating America for no other reson but jealousy. We are a good people with more generosity than the rest of the world.

Joe, Tennessee, USA

Well said Archbishop (!)

Steven M Calascione, The Low Countries,

If there was a good reason for the seperation of church and state, this is a prime example of why. When are the Christian's and Islamic leaders going to understand that " judge yee not lest yee be judged" means exactly that. I am sick and tired of this type of pandering and it is so transparent that to try and gain some form of alliance with each other there has to be a demiGod - the USA!! Stop it, prey to someone other then the idol of self importance, shame on the leadership of these two faiths and others that can only express the meaning of right by identifying the meaning of wrong. By the way, I know people that do not prey five times a day or once a week, they are good people, loving people and caring people. Preying doesnot make the Christian, actions do, and to judge others is not our place,teach this and tolerance and you might see an up swing in attendance.\
Stew Berry, Wylie, Texas

stew berry, Dallas, Texas

You have to forgive the Bishop for bowing to political pressure. His church was starting on bowing to political presssure and now th muslims are the new power in Britian and he bows as English clerics of old. In his hast to run for cover and placate the people, who would impose a death sentence for drawing a picture of their "prophet" he commends their five times a day prayer but seems to forget his own scriptures, " If I pray and have not charity (love and forgiveness for others) then I am like a brass gong."

Mike, Washington DC, USA

Ah the Poms in full flight. Who was first this week to Bangladesh with flood relief???? Who is expested to be first everywhere to help or it's too little to late this and curse you for capitalists that.

There will always be someone with the power ...to help and to force change....perhaps wrongly. And soo it may not be the US. And I have seen the next super power....and you will not like them...at all and we will yearn for the days of the American Empire.

Tom Norton, Male', Maldives

Mr. Archbishop? you are free to have your say because of the United States, you speak English and not German because of the United States, you are free to practice your religion because of the United States. Would you be willing to give up these freedoms, I think not.

Tom, milton, de, USA

Just a couple of points for those Americans who continue to think that they saved us all in World War Two.
Having deliberately avoided the war for more than two years, they only got involved at all because Germany and Italy declared war on the USA. Not the other way round. (Dec 11th 1941). Also, it was the Russians who won the war in Europe not them.
If Americans spent a little more time reading proper history books and a little less time watching their dumb television programs, they might learn something real for a change.

Dennis, Gaithersburg, USA

E. Digby Baltzell, the late great Penn sociologist, who gave currency to the acronym WASP,accused his fellow WASPs of losing control mof the rudder of Western civilization by asssuming a relativist andmushy pacifist dictate. The soft underbelly of this movement encouages attack by the rest of the world. The radical Islamists of today are the Visigoths on Rome's frontier of yesterday. The Bishop of Canterbury is a sad caricature of Professor Baltzell's accusation.

A. Kenneth Ciongoli, Burlington, USA/Vermont

Ther good doctor is forgetting the lessons of WWII.
He should keep in mind that if it weren't for our intervention, he would be speaking German today, as would most of Eruope.
And, by the way, is the good Doctor trying to curry favor with
Moslem groups or is he so misguided as to actually believe that stuff? Of course, it might be that like all leftists he
just hates us...

George Carr
Orlando Florida USA.

George Carr, Orlando, FL USA

I have given my last dollar to the Anglican Church. Our church separate from the Episcopal abomination only to fall into THIS disgusting anti-American slop?

Al, Dallas, TX, USA

What is wrong with standing up for the persecuted? What is wrong with defending one's self from evil? Good-bye Episcopal church. This disgusts me. I can find positive, loving churches. This is one of the dumbest things I've ever read. Who represents the people of Iraq and the other persecuted people of the world more than the United States? Who donates more charity than the USA? NOBODY! We don't complain about the cost of being a peace-maker, but we sure take a lot of criticism. It is easy to sit on your duff and do nothing other than criticize those that are trying to help. I am totatally baffled.

Brian, Boise, ID, USA

Rowan is simply preaching to the choir when he gave that interview to the Muslin magazine. He told them what they wanted to hear, and avoided mention of what angers them. How else to be published? I have read his comments in western publications, and he sings a different tune. Don't judge him so harshly; he doesn't really believe that crap, but is doing what he feels he must to be noticed.

Dennis , Philadelphia,

To Archbishop Williams and the rest of you Loons, keep on placating the muslims and eventually you'll be wishing, no praying, no begging that the imperialistic U.S.A. come over and bail your rear ends out again. In the meantime get used to being French.

Hmmmmm, Centennial, CO / USA

Agreeing with Dr. William, my appeal to the Western regimes that accept others for who they are and for the choices they have made even you have difficulty in their believes, their motives and action. Look deep inside the hearts of the Muslim believers around you and you will see the goodness and beauty within.

Hassan Farooqi, LOUBHBROUGH, UK

He is quite right in condeming the the arrogance of American power; however, he was wrong not to denounce with equal fervour the malignance of Islamic fundamentalism all over the world. Both of these extremisms need to be caged.

kishore, Galena, Illinois

Alice from Hove thinks "what we should be worrying about, it is the invasion of other cultures by the American consumer culture, preached from the altar of the television set which is at the base of the rottenness in our societies." As a Londoner born and bred no such concerns are put forward by Alice about the invasion and decimation of my culture. That's OK by everyone inclucing Mr Livingstone who will suck up to any racial group provided it's not indiginous and white. Sorry Alice, you are way off base with that argument.

viv, london, england

Arch Bishop Rowan Williams is trying to deflect the heat he will be getting for fiddling while his Church is disentergrating. He is like our past president Buchannan who allowed the South ( the slave states) time to seceed and start the civil war here in the States. Rowan Williams is allowing his church to disentegrate by permitting the ordination of Homosexuals to not only the priesthood but also bishops. If scripture is wrong and then homosexuality is allright then so is incest as scripture calls for the same punishment of each offense. Christianity is threatened on 2 fronts One is the prolifferation of different Protestant sects and the other is the steady growth of Islam The imperialism that America brings is spreading the idea that all men and women are equal. Unlike Britian who took from their colonies the USA brings aid to various countries through out the World/
See my book "Protestantism The Modern Tower of Babel".

Robert F Kopfer, Lake Zurich Illinois, USA

I believe the archbishop needs to learn his history a little bit more. A few examples he might want to look at to see the US isn't that bad:

- Alexander the Great and Macedonia
- Mongols (specifically the Golden Horde)
- Abbassid Empire
- Persian Empire
- British Empire
- Nazi Germany
- Imperialist Japan
- Many dynasties of Ancient China
- USSR and the Iron Curtain
- Napoleon & the Continental System
- CATHOLIC CHURCH!!!

I realize it is vogue to bash the United States, and it gets you media attention, but let's be real here.

Thomas Paine, Boston, USA

I do wish, so strongly wish, that people such as the Archbishop would study history before making such absurd statements. Hate America, find fault with her but please be accurate in your statements.

Kathleen H, Connecticut, USA

Rowan Williams must not be a student of history. The U.S. has never occupied a country in order to replace their government with a dictatorial form of government known as a monarchy. The U.S. has never plundered the wealth and resources of a country.

The British Empire on the other hand replaced governments, stole resources, and made the citizens subjects of the king/queen.

Queen Elizabeth is one of the richest women in the world. That wealth was inherited and originally came from the imperials activities of the British Empire.

Williams needs to stick to the pompous activities of the Church of England.

Don Goff, Cairo, GA

Is this man an IDIOT? Trying to claim the British colonization of India was better than Iraq or Afghanistan? In both cases each country has poured money and resources in. Indians did not have weaponry to be of any threat to Brit Troops.

Dennis D, New Jersey , USA

As usual a knee-jerk reaction from a cloistered religious leader living in a vacuum, specifically designed to grab headlines. Perhaps he should consider the reality of the fact that regardless of where on earth a catastrophe happens, it is the United States that comes to the rescue no matter whether it is friend or foe. The number of times over the last century that the United States has come to the aid and indeed rescue of literally the entire rest of the world has been quickly forgotten in the politically correct period of the past few years. If the United States were to stop providing aid to countries around the world it would quickly become apparent to everyone just how truly important our role is to the fabric of the international community. Obviously the man has no understanding of the danger that islam fundamentalists pose to the world as a whole.

Don Williams, Devon, USA

Does this "Supposed Gentlemen of the Cloth" make any point other then he is another liberal apologist for terrorists?
It's interesting he makes these comments in a Muslim rag.
Sir please come to my local Veterans of Foreign Wars lodge and repeat your same tripe. I think you would be surprised at the response.

Kraig, Jacksonville, Florida

Hmmm, he's worried about US imperialism in countries where the caning of gang rape victims is sanctioned by the government. Maybe he should go preach to the militants in those countries and try to change their fascistic ways. He could declare 'peace in our times' on the journey over. OK, I'm jocking, but it makes about as much sense as his comments that are reported in this story.

Jon Zieg, Donetsk, Ukraine

Excellent summary, Bill Green.

Paul Becke, Edinburgh, Scotland

People of faith, particularly devout lay-persons, are the backbone of any civilization; particularly in the Judeo Christian-based West. People who go into the religion business are very much suspect in my book, and a good many of them have some fundamental dysfunction in operation. I suppose the best clinical term I can find to describe this Archbishop is "wack-job, followed by "nut job."

I'm American, well-educated, well-read, well-traveled, but nowhere other than in the earliest of American political-religious writings have I found anything that even remotely resembles the Archbishop's description of America's 'sense of mission.' The gentleman is simply hallucinating when he says... (the) “chosen nation myth of America, meaning that what happens in America is very much at the heart of God’s purpose for humanity." No one in this country, except for a tiny group at the opposite end of the wack-job fringe hold such a view.
Pity the poor, senile old man. Then ignore him.

jim Coles, Elba, USA, Alabama

Why doesn't the Archbishop just go all the way and offer to convert St Paul's into a mosque?He obviously finds Islam more congenial than the Church he nominally leads and is well on the way to terminal decay, not least because of his total lack of leadership. It is not difficult to see why several Anglican friends have "gone over to Rome", as Tony Blair will any day now.

Mike, London,

What has happened to the Angican Church we are leaving in droves, and finding sanctuary elsewhereThe Archbishop seems to be another misguided member of the church.Where was his Voice when Saddam Hussein and his sons were practicing their violence,or at the extreme Muslims for their religeous intolerance,maybe the Archbishop is being selective in his criticism.it would appear he is behaving as a political hack.or is afraid to meet his maker at the expense of muslim extremism,(Off with your head) HOLDING HANDS AND SINGING KUMBYA does not get it with radical muslims.
By the way about The USA and her mighty military strength,I seem to recall that the disasters around the world get the assistance of large US Aircraft carriers,floating cities that have supplies,medical teams ,building teams,Personel,all at our expense,in disasters we are always there,Where have you been during those times?How about putting your money where your mouth is,in your case a thank you would do.

Jacquie, Fayetteville , Ga USA

Perhaps the good Archbishop should police his own church for child molester priests before he starts giving out advice to America on how it should defend itself against terrorists.

Also, if the Archbishop really wants to find a solution for his feelings that the west is "adrift" then perhaps he should repent of his heresy against the Pope and resubmit himself to the Roman Catholic church from where his authority originated.

Arrogant, know-it-all Bishops pointing their accusatory finger at everyone but themselves are such a breathtaking thing to behold. Its no wonder that the western Christian church is in decline.

Mark, Minneapolis, USA

Islam's "political solutions were not the most impressive".

Weasel words from a weasel. But then some Muslims have a record for displaying murderous anger at comments made in their direction whereas I don't think he has to worry about screaming Americans threatening to behead him. A coward.

Mark, Liverpool, England

So will the Muslims he's pandering to force him to renounce his faith and convert. How ignorant he is to not see the threat of Muslim extremism. Where's Winston Churchhill when we need him?

Jeff LaPlante, valparaiso, Indiana

Rowan Williams has really gone around the bend on this one. The Episcopal Church (TEC) in America could not have become the unmitigated disaster it is without such flaccid stewardship of the Anglican Communion, and Islamic terrorists will be forever in debt to him for his Neville Chamberlain-like cognative dissonance. Anglican church attendance is nosediving because this ABC would rather pontificate about politics than tend to the unmet spiritual needs of his flock: He has got to go before the Anglican Communion disintegrates into oblivion.

William H. Burgess, III, Seminole, Florida, USA

I think it is a pathological hatred for President Bush, which has been whipped up by the Leftists and their comrades in the media, that causes otherwise intelligent people to say the stupidest things.

Publius, NY, NY

Is there someting about removing the beam from your own eye before removing the mote from another.'s eye.
Perhaps the good Doctor should sort out our Church of England first.

Bernard Parke, Guildford,

In the words of the great theologian Kevin Kline, in the great religious epic, "A Fish Called Wanda," and I quote: "If it wasn't for the U.S. of America, you lot [the British] would be goose-stepping and eating Wienerschnitzel."

Too bad Sir Winston Churchill isn't around to share some wisdom with Dr. Williams.

Mark Allen, Rockville,, Maryland, United States of America

The whole Kuwait invasion was caused by the USA slant drilling and stealing Iraqi oil. Everyone seems to have lost sight of this.

Ron Murray, Washington, DC

Imperialism implies conquest and domination of the lands annexed. Look at Alexander And The Roman Empire. They were empire building. America doesn't want little America's all over the world. I seriously doubt, (outside of governmental and military bodies), that many have really thought of what it would mean if America decide that it wanted to be Imperialistic. There is no military force that is as strong as the USA's military. Perhaps that is what everyone else fears. If America were to have Global ambitions, who could stop it? I understand some of the trepidations others have with America. It seems so often that we are unpredictable. Yet we don't want new lands. We want peace and stability. Are there problems? Yes there are. I don't think that we wanted to be the policeman of the world. Everyone just thought that we should, and with that role everyone resents the strength that we have. I ask this. Were would you be without us trying to help everyone? Do you have the strength?

Rick, Saint Augustine, Florida

I am appalled by criticism Dr.Williams received in media for telling the truth as it is.It is beggers belief to ridicule him this way and compare powerdrunk Neocons to noble christian soldiers.American power is at its worst since nazi germany and in their rush to dominate the world created millions of innocent victims.No wonder one half of the humanity they think are inferior to themselves are OK to be dominated and humiliated in the name of religion will hate this fascist and rascist and inhumane ideology for eternity to come which will unfortunately will creat more unstable world.

ilyasnorat, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

The guy ought to be terminated immediately, like that gay bishop on the Episcopal side. Never organization has the guts to do so and are using their position for political purposes, but for why, they are not politicans, just selfish and have lost they way in upper number of years.

G barrett, augusta, ga us

I am a proud american.My father fought the Japanese and my uncles fought in Europe during ww2.This issue is not about religion but about extremists.It does not matter whether you are Muslim Christian or god knows what Hitler was,it is about individuals who through their own selfish agendas create caos for the rest of us.There is not a single country in existance today who has not done something immoral or completely learned fromthe mistakes of their past.America owes it's roots in law and religious freedom to the U.K.France helped us get independence from the U.K and we were able to help both of those countries during ww1 and ww2 either gain or keep their freedom from the despots of that era,and we all worked together.I believe it is better to take a stand against terrorist rather than negotiate or pacify them and this includes dealing with governments that hide behind them.Taking action against them and doing what you believe is right is better than sending a signal of division

Chris, Dexter, Maine

The Archbishop ought to take care of his own backyard.
Take a look at news.com.au, story headline "Queen Blinged Off".
Click on it & up comes a photo of old Camilla covered in all the Family Jewels, but on her right wrist she sports a red string. I'm assuming it's a Kabbalah String. Now that is funny!

Jo, Binghamton, USA

Just another news article allowing people to try and discredit our right to defend ourselves.

Neil , Nags Head, USA

"He commends the Muslim practice of praying five times a day, which he says allows the remembrance of God to be “built in deeply in their daily rhythm”.

Doe he commend their beheadings and rape of women? I just want to be clear here.

Jeff Johnson, Atlanta, USA

This poor misguided, deluded fellow. He lifts up the Mohammedan scourge-which always has and continues to this day to declare war on the entire planet and its inhabitants, yet he has the ignorance to spew his poison against the United States, flawed it is, yes. This poor fellow leaves no room for respect, seems to have no clue about history and can't seem to call a spade a spade.
What is this world coming to. It is obvious, a new Dark Age with a new master. What foolish, miguided people like this man wish for they just might get.

Duncan Aker, Vanceburg, U.S.A. Kentucky

So he would be more comfortable with the invasion if the US planned to "take over a territory and then pour energy and resources into administering it and normalising it" as Britain did in India? In other words, the problem with the US invasion of Iraq is that it will not last long enough?

I don't believe the Arch-clown is capable even of accurately describing his own thoughts under alternate scenarios, let alone making a coherent critique of US action.

DWPittelli, Adams MA, USA

some of the comments from the US show what is wrong with America. badly informed, jingoistic and with a TV based Christianity theme, They just dont know what the problem is

Here is one Brit who will not be talking advantage of the crappy dollar to go to New York and buy goods made elsewhere

P. Taylor, London, UK

Vote for Ron Paul!

Right on, Rowan!

Muslims are right to retaliate against us. We have commercially invaded their culture, not in the name of oil, but in the name of McDonnell's, Wal-mart, Microsoft, Google, etc. We trample on their sacred beliefs and expect them to be happy. And our big media perverts will not be happy until every Muslim women is wearing a mini skirt.

Please people, get sane. We are raping and pillaging these people so our stocks can continue to go up.

Stop the insanity!

Tom Schwartz, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

It's people like Rowan that make me say Britain, instead of Great Britain. Muslim appeaser and jealous church official pining for the days when the Arch Bishop's position actually meant something.

Keep whining Rowan, Americans will still come back over and save Britain again. Perhaps someday, when the Brits wake up and shake off their English guilt, they just might deserve to be called Great again.

Until then, Big Brother spies on everyone, yells at you from speakers mounted on light poles, and muslims continue to spout their hate and recruit radicals. Great Britain is no more. It's more like Islamabrit

Bob Jones, Austin, Texas

Your left wing heretical church will shrivel and die just as God sees fit.

Christian, Cheyenne, USA

The Brits and the French started it in Crusades and the 100 year war. And now Arabs and the Muslins want to get even. They just don"t know who to attack or maybe they know that we will come to your aid like we did WORLD WAR TWO. THANK GOD THERE IS A U S A. GO GEORGE BUSH. GO ISREAL.

MARVIN, MERRICK & BOCA RATON, USA AND PROUD OF IT

It is not due to poor education that the Archbishop's views reflect actual facts -- the United States is the agressor in the Middle East and is using its military power to interfere in the muslim world. For those who are critical of the United Nations enforcement of UN Resoluitons concerning Iraq, Israel since its establishment has ignored every UN Resolution as well as international law. The United States has been instrumental in this disdain by providing Israel political, military and financial support to expand its non-declaured borders Moreover, the US spends $70 plus billions for intelligence annually and yet could not determine if Iraq had active nuclear or biological programs. The US, through its support of Israel is the aggressor in Syria, Lebanon., Iraq and Iran. The rulers of Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been bought with U.S. tax dollars. The Archbiship is absoutely correct -- the methods of forcing change will bring neither peace nor beneficial change.

June Cassidy, Osprey, United States/Florida

when will the american population and its leaders realise that when the whole world dispises you for the same reason it might be time to listen and change your policies and attitudes to smaller and poorer countries? America has been an embarassment to the west for 20 years, and you even have a leading christian critisizing the country. Lets wait and see if china can be more of a world citizen when the worlds trade focuses on it in a couple of years and its economy overtakes the US.

luke, perth, australia

What a fool!

Geno, Charlotte, NC USA

Rowan has a very dim view of America and a very broad and convenient view of imperialism. Fair enough, it's his view afterall--and an increasing number of Americans are beginning to share Rowan's worldview.

Does anybody thing that is a good thing?

Charles, Harrisburg, PA/USA

The Archbishop is a bitter and erroneous little loser who is too myopic and without faith in God to have any wisdom or light. Christ is dead in Britain. Long live Allah in Europe. Long live the Antichrist and his apostle, the Archbishop.

Jonah, florida, usa

Is this ;old fart real ,mild critisism of muslim faith. I agree their religon as the high ground in morales and standards .that this country had in the 50;s.But what about young girl raped and then lashed for being in a car with someone not her relative.what about incitment of hatred towards christians.what about forced arranged marriages,honour killings .this religion is from the dark ages.
what this old fool should do,is stop talking and try and bring back old english values .

W SMITH, romford, england

Has the good archbishop completely lost his marbles? The Anglican communion is disintegrating, and here he is busy creating yet another reason for schism in the dwindling band of the faithful.

Tony Cox, Las Vegas, NV, USA

How dare the Archbishop say that the US is worse than imperial Britain.

Worse than the treatment meted out to Indians, Chinese and Africans?

Apparently he has only read history books written by the victors. White man's burden, I suppose.

Unbelievable!

Naren, Kalamazoo, MI,USA

All the brave men left Europe over 200 years ago and came to the USA. The brave men have been bailing out whining wimps like the arch bishop aver since.

Bonnie, NYC, NY

Yup, America was joined at the hip with Saddam, and with Osama, not too long ago. Also, not too long ago, America was joined at the hip with Russia to defeat nazism. Williams doesn't seem to get the irony that he's speaking English.
And if the good Archbishop had been around in the 40's he'd have boned up on German, and is perhaps, even now, boning up on Farsi, and Arabic.
Fool that he is, doesn't realize that if his Muslim idealogue bretheren ever claim the power they espouse,......then as "Lead Infidel", he will be among the first to lose not only his free speech rights, but more than likely, his head.
My suggestion to all who agree with the Archbishop....... get thee to a Proctologist right away, for your heads are stuck in your own guagmire.
America has been at the forefront of making life better for miliions, for decades. The islamo-fascists are at the forefront of beheadings, shreddings, rape rooms, and bombs to kill innocents. God bless America.

Jeff, Edgartown, MA

With all these followup comments. This guy's likely to think he's significant or something. Who cares what he thinks especially given the fact he's such a coward.

DL Thompson, FL, USA

It is wrong to assume that Rowan Williams speaks for many people. Only 1.2 million people in England attend a CofE chuch once per week, and 1.7 million every month, and I wonder how many of these people agree with him.
British Imperialism in the 19th Century (funded by the British Taxpayer), was responsible for fighting against the Islamic arabic slave trade which lasted much longer and enslaved many more people than the trans-atlantic slave trade. (Please do your own research). Regarding his comment about Britain governing India, Britain took over from the Mughal Empire, so I suppose Rowan Williams must favour the Mughals governing India over the British!
He has failed in making the CofE a popular and influencial religion and is the wrong man for the job of Archbishop of Cantebury. The next Archbishop of Canturbury needs to be younger, more charismatic and dynamic.

Matt, Leeds, UK

I really don't think it's any of his damn business what the United States does. Take care of your own problems which you don't seem to be able to do!!!!

Jim, roanoke, va

How shocking it is to see truth from the pulpit of the privileged. The religions of the West begin to understand that their moral bankruptcy is no match for religious zealotry. If the church does not stand against the rampant greed and militarism of the neo-Christian right there will be no peace on earth.

America as a 'Christian' nation is an oxymoron. It's an illusion that is advertised so frequently people believe it, unquestionably. Never mind the foundation of American society is built on genocide and slavery. Where was the progression from that society to this one? A whore is still a whore; even when she's a rich whore, and appears to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Many Christians of every denomination are tired of lying to themselves and fornicating with greedy, godless people who profess to do God's work.

The Christian Church is beginning to understand that 'Truth' is 'Light', and the 'Word' does not fornicate with thieves and liars.

Lloyd, New Orleans, USA

The Archbishop has forgotten that Bishops were once put in place by their congregations, not their peers. The bounds of hypocrisy.....?

pnut, Austin, TX, USA

Mr Bush, Can you see your way to sending me a green card so I can escape the madness of the uk and europe, my family must have beem missed when they cleared the highlands. Ive got my levis on and my Gibson is polished and ready to go. Thank you America for saving my ass so many times and sharing your culture.

Kenny livitt, hove,

The Archbishop commends praying 5 times a day; why not pray 100 times a day instead; surely this is much better. Does he pray 100 times a day ?

Carlos, Madrid, Spain

Rowen Williams is the "worst" achbishop. Thank God we do not allow the clerics to run OUR countries. He is doing such a great job of running the Anglican communion into the ground, that I guess we should jump at the opportunity to embrace his careful advice on how to do the same thing to the United States! The only thing "misguided" in this article is Rowen's concept of his own self-importance.

Dr. Franks
Economist (Retired)
Pasadena, CA

Ed Franks, Ph.D., Pasadena, USA/CA

His comments and beliefs merely reflect the continuous decline of England and the disconnect between the English governemnt and the people. Yet another reason to feel sorry for the English citizens.

James E. BUri, Houston, Texas, USA

The archbishop is quick to criticize the US "imperialists", but when US influence is needed to bring opposing parties together in the middle east, the archbishop and other babbling cowards like him remain silent. Who is holding the next middle east peace conference? The US, in Annapolis, Maryland. Why doesn't the archbishop and his church sponsor a middle east peace conference? Because he and his church don't have the credibility, power and influence to do so. When he can do more than just shoot off his mouth, then he might have some real influence on world affairs. Until then, he'll just be another bearded kook drinking the Kool-aid.

Patrick, Irvine, CA

This is the problem with the world today. It's extremely sad, because its coming from a so called Christian Leader. The problem with the world, is it has no shephards any longer. They see things through merely mans point of view. See if this was a true christian he would know that all sin, is equally bad to God, stealing and killing is all the same, except one is exceptionally worse, and that is "Spiritual Pride." Claiming to be a mediator between God and man, when the scriptures say there is no mediator except Christ. This is the biggest sin of all, misleading the people into thinking you are some supreme christian. So in such a deep deception as we are now, time is just about up. If Jesus came back today, the real Jesus would be placed back on the cross by the so called religious leaders in the world churches, governments etc. He would be in their face, "Oh Jerusalem, the city that Kills Gods Prophets and stones the messengers." Gods trying to tell you all, no ones listening. HIS...

Ron Johnson, Heaven, USA

THANK YOU, a lone voice in the wilderness, mocked by chattering monkeys and charlatans, speaking the truth of the matter. The Archbishop is a brave and true man. If only there were more of his ilk.

Dick Hardman, Bridgwater, UK

In 1944 my father was a Royal Marine in 45 Commando. They trained alongside the US Army Ranger Battalions for the landings in Normandy. My father thought the Americans were good blokes - like the Royal Marines, they wanted to do their best and when it was all over they wanted to go home. My father said they were the sort of men you could enjoy a pint with at the local on a Saturday night.

A lot of those 'good blokes' were killed at Omaha on 6 June 1944.

Shame on you Rowan.

Michael, Berkhamsted,

What the good bishop fails to realize is that we have been fighting the muslims since the Crusades. They didn't like us then and they sure as hell don't like us now. The only defense against them is a strong offense. We will help them find their 72 virgins in heaven. The US will bail out the world just like we have in the past.

Mike Barbour, Naperville, USA

Here in the United Kingdom we actually believe in free speech - so our religious leaders may express their opinions on political matters (even if they are wrong!). What we don't have is a fundamentalist apocalyptical believer with his finger on the nuclear button - and I'm talking about in the White House NOT in Tehran!

andrew holden, oxford, uk

What a fool. If the USA is an empre, it is the most benign empire that ever was.
He needs to stick to tending to his dying Church.

Bob Williams, Utopia, Texas USA

Williams is sadly one of those poor wilting flowers who see the world through rose colored panties. a Chamberlin if you please. The poor peace loving Mulsims against the terrible boogie man. Williams your a disgrace to those soiled garments you drape over yourself each week. How long has it been since you have been down in the trenches dealing with common folk, and there everyday problems, you pompus ass.

jim prince, Courtland, Alabbama

It wasn't the his country that got attacked on 9/11 or his family members killed in the towers. He wasn't scorned by a man named Saddam who openly stated that America should be destroyed and had used WMD's on other countries as well as his own people. This archbishop is influenced entirely by the left wing, Democrat controled, hate-Bush media, originating in NY City, and spread via the New York Times, NBC or CNN worldwide, that gives other countries a negative view of the United States. When the USA media and Hollywood condemns it's own countries actions, you have to expect other people and nations to be influenced by the words they say and print.

Vince Hugh, Atlanta, Georgia

This guy is a total idiot. Who gives a rat's ass about what he says? I notice he didn't comment about the recent beheading of an Iraqi couple, in front of their children, because they were wearing western style pants. Or the recent bombing in Afganistan that killed dozens of school children. Or the beating and jailing of a rape victim in Saudi Arabia because she was out with a male who was not related to her. Oh wait-I forgot- that would be the religion of peace. God bless America!!!!!!!!!

Bob, Sylvania, Ohio

The Archbishop's failure to condemn wanton murder in the name of Allah is truly shameful.

As a religious leader himself, he should be the first to condemn the use of religion to justify terrorism, murder and hatred. Either this poor muddled fool has completely lost his moral bearings, or he is too cowardly to speak the truth he sees.

In either case he is unfit to lead the church.

Andy Gill, London, UK

Another overbaked religious leader. Blaming everything on the USA is ignorant and an indication of a poor education regardless of credentials. The example of Iraq... is what happens when the United Nations fails to enforce its own resolutions. For 10 years Iraq thumbed its nose at the UN over weapons inspections. Not once was Hans Blix able to say yes or no, "Iraq is in compliance with UN Resolution 1441" - just the typical "kind-sorta, but not really, but they are getting beter". A definitive yes or no on that single issue would have radically altered the viable options available to Bush.

Yes..there were chem-bio weapons in Iraq, they were intermingled with regular munitions... Guess you had to be there to see their storage.... buried under the sand in shifting 120' days and 40' nights, no record of how long they've been there. Let me be part of that EOD team!

As for the Archbishop... I'd guess he's probably French.

Mark, Odessa, Ukraine

The Bishop is a weak leader in the Anglican Communion and has lost control to Her Squidness the PB of the Episcopal Church in the US. He should concentrate on Church repair and forget international politics. Look at the statistics... church attendance in the UK and US are falling; not preaching and walking the talk as acceptable to our Lord.

Tom Dennis, Key Biscayne, Florida/USA

If anyone wishes to understand why the Church of England has lost all relevance to society in the 21st century they need only examine the biased, sanctimonious, naive utterings of Williams. He should restrict himself from lecturing others on their behaviour until he has set an example of how to constructively face and overcome the many problems facing society in his diocese.

Tony G, Newark,

Let's not forget: The world ASKED the United States to intervene when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in the early 1990's. People forget that Saddam openly talked about his ambitions to create a pan-Arab empire that would have monopolized Middle Eastern oil supplies. His invasion of Kuwait was the first step.

We footed the majority of the bill and our soldiers paid the brunt of the price to remove his army from Kuwait and drive it back to Baghdad. Saddam called for a cease fire. We agreed; but only if he agreed to disarm and prove to the world through inspections that he was disarming. The whole point of all this was that he could not attack his neighbors again. For over ten years, he violated every term of the cease fire with no consequence. The UN thumbed its nose at any request by us to enforce the ceasefire agreement.

We have every right to have invaded Iraq the second time to enforce the terms of the cease fire agreement. It is OUR SOLDIERS who fought to obtain the agreement

Jimmy G, Marshfield, WI, USA

What's better : America's misguided Imperialism or Islam's spread of Khalifah?

Gurinder Singh, Clayhall, UK

I had trouble accessing the full interview via the link at the bottom of the document. It links to a PDF of the front cover of the magazine, "http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/arch1.pdf" whereas the document containing the interview is at "http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/arch2.pdf"

... just thought I should raise this, in case you hadn't noticed :)

Will, London,

Why don't we have Dick Cheney and his little boy "George" weigh in on this/these topics? Surely they could enlighten us.

buckheaddad

buckheaddad, Atlanta,

I am appalled by the comments of the Archbishop. He would do better attending to his (diminishing) flock than cosying up to the muslims. I profoundly agree with Joseph Mehagan's comments and I hope the majority of your readers will also.

jwilliams, Birmingham,

Let us pray ---- Onward christian soldiers

Iain L M Laurie, Elgin,

Does anyone attach any importance to this garden gnome
Archbishop?

F Kimbal Johnson, Louth,Lincs, uk

Yes, I agree so very much with the Archbishop and feel relief that he has said what he has said. It is not only imperialism in the political sense we should be worrying about, it is the invasion of other cultures by the American consumer culture, preached from the altar of the television set which is at the base of the rottenness in our societies.

Alice, Hove,

The United States is controlled by an elitist group of internationalist that control the currencies; starting with the stockholders of the Bank of England. Please do your own research by typing in the words, "Bilderberg," fiat currency, New World Order, or One World Government into any search engine. The people are pawns used to serve the "establishment."

Free speech is a good thing. Thanks for allowing me to express my opinion.

Ken Brown
USA

Ken Brown, Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA

The US Failed; to Rid The World of Nazi Germany's Official Ideology, that of Emmanuel Kant's Neo-Platonism, interpreted by John C. Calhoun, then renamed Social Darwinism, because its "Upper Class 2% of Males," hold the Same Ideology, Social Darwinism. The US needs another Abraham Lincoln and General William Tecumseh Sherman to deal with These.

Xeno77777, Saint Petersburg, Florida USA

Had the misinformed cleric expressed his anti-government views in pre-war Iraq, he would be dangling over a people shredder. He should be giving Thanks for this great nation. Marty RicKard

Marty RicKard, Fort Myers,

Wonderful, Rowan. Your historically illiterate comments (where are the American colonies? Where is the American Commonwealth? Where is the international slave trade ferried across the oceans by American ships?) will probably inspire a few dozen more murderous suicide attacks on U.S. and Western people and interests around the world. But at least you will be Politically Correct, which today is the most important thing.

Paul Maglione, Paris , France

No one here reads Chomsky??

Gabriel, Barcelona, Spain

Now I'm not saying that the Archibishop doesn't know what his history, however let's look at his example of India being normalized. First during the Indian Mutiny, 1/3 of the sepoy 55th Regiment were publicly strapped to the front of cannons & executed. Almost a century later upon independence, India was partitioned, forcing 20 million (and about 12 million in the first year) refugees to move. Shortly after its partition and independence, there was a war between India & Pakistan that continually reoccurs every other decade or so. The economy of India had actually declined during colonial rule and lacked growth for decades after its independence, remember it was called the "Hindu rate of growth". These are just examples off the top of my head about his example of India being a better example than Afganistan or Iraq. Perhaps Rowan was thinking of better situations with a British presence, like those involving IRA & Mau Mau. Remember Rowan started the comparing, not I.

C. Reb, Jacksonville, FL, USA

In a few generations. Arabic will be the secondary language in nearly all European countries.

There's a reason for it, and it isn't because American Imperialism.



Wake up!

Jacob, Mannheim, Germany

While the Archbish might think British Imperialism was OK in India--and it is true, much good was achieved--one must remember the abuses and the divisions fostered by the "divide and rule" policy employed. Neither should one forget that this view of the British Raj has had the benefit of 60 years of retrospection upon a colonization that lasted for at least 300 years. What will one say about the US in Iraq and elsewhere in 2067? We'll wait and see. But the Archbish's comments are shortsighted, and his glib skimming over the abuses by Islamic regimes hopelessly irrelevant, at best.

Satish, Watertown, MA

The USA is saing all of your sorry little butts. The 'Chosen Nation Myth?' The only thing the USA has been chosen to do has been a result of Europe and the rest of the world sropping the ball and then y'all choose the USA to pick iy up and correct matters. 25% of the UN budget comes from the USA. 50% of deployed UN troops come from the USA. Of course the Achbishop wants the USA to pump more 'goodwill' (money) into the third world, but what has that ever bought for the USA? Appeasement? Y'all should have learned about that 70 years ago. Bush is Pope Urban and the USA is the most benevolent country in the history of the world.

KP, God's Country, USA

The US involvement in world affairs as the "world´s policeman" is a cynical policy designed to promote America´s economic and political interests at the expense of other countries. The US establishment has sold to a loyal and nationalistic citizenship as doing good for the rest of the world, hence the naive American comments on this page. They would do well to check their own history.

America was founded to get away from the rest of the world. It maintained the Monroe Doctrine of active isolationism since 1823 (understandably, I agree). It entered World War One reluctantly, under the cajolings of President Wilson and only after American shipping had been hit. It left the new international scene immediately, rejecting the League of Nations which their own said President had proposed. It entered the war officially only after Japan bombed Pearl Harbour. America has always been traditionally reactive in world affairs. When it gets active, be sceptical!

A L Sen, Mijas, Spain

When the Islamic radicals who are building a large constituency in the UK manage to set off a radioactive bomb near London, I am curious whether the Archbishop will still be so forgiving and tolerant.

More interesting will be whether his fellow countrymen will be willing to just let it go without reprisals, or rather will expect the USA to help them go after the perpetrators.

Perhaps the US should be more isolationist. We do have a vast ocean between us and the ones who would condemn and kill us all as infidels for not converting to Islam.

Perhaps when the radicals come after the Archbishop, he won't mind some of that US interventionism... but we wouldn't want to interfere with world events then.

Keith Browning, Morgantown, WV

Hey there,
Well it seems the good archbishop is on the ever popular "slam America" bandwagon. That's okay. In 20 years, when China has taken the Pacific region, and Muslims have taken Europe and the African continent, let's see how the bandwagon is rolling along. Of course, it will all be blamed on America and Israel.

Brother Paul, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

So the US government is not perfect, well what a surprise! Whatever the rights and wrongs of US (or UK) foreign policy, sometimes doing nothing leads to a far worse outcome in any given situation. Now with Iraq, in hindsight, everyone is an expert, but someone had to make that call. The US makes the call because generally they're the first target. I don't condemn them for that. Perhaps if the UK was bigger militarily, we would do the same (indeed we did make the calls in the past). I would suggest that Dr Williams was just sucking up to the Moslem establishment. It seems the usual cliché about everything "western" is bad is repeated over and over in a vain attempt to induce some kind of guilt on the masses. I don't think it will work in the long run.

Nick C, Devon, UK

Perhaps the good bishop and those that agree with him should read up on their history. How sad it must be to be filled with so much hatred.

Jack, Assisi, Italy

This from a man the latest in the series of goofs that has led his Church from high church to a wasteland.

Get your own house in order, bub.

Bob Boberson, Kingston, WA

Being an American and a resident near Washington DC all of my life, I agree with the view of the wrongheadedness of American foreign policy. I would actually call it "no--headedness" as the current administration, even those with some amount of intelligence, make SURE we use a shoot "almost first" and think about consequences later. As we know, Saddam getting money, weapons and the ballocks to use them was while he was one of the US lapdogs, same with bin Laden and countless others. This is all a form of blowback--where these dictators, created by various American corporate military regimes, have decided they can "go it on their own", so America tries to bribe them back into remaining faithful, and help to impose our imperialist ideals. When that doesnt work, we try to assassinate them, and finally when that doesnt work, then we bring in the military.
So the eminent theologian is not quite right---we dont go in with our guns blaring right away---only if our money doesnt work.

Bill Green, Catonsville, USA/Maryland

I think the US governent has been less forceful than necessary in our conflicts. I dislike waiting for diplomatic aggreements after the other side show no interest in peace.

M. Sears, Lansing, Mi. USA

I have no time for any type of religious superstition, but in this case I have to agree with Mr Williams.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

The ArchBishop is a living example of why we in the U.S. don't allow politics and religion to mix. He wouldn't have a leg to stand on or a place to sleep if the British goverment ever drops it's offical religion as it should. No one in Britain attends church anymore, except the evangelical's and the Catholics, and Rowan is why.
Before he spout's off about a country where he would have to EARN his keep, he should get his own house in order. His kissy face speech's almost begging Islamic fundlementalists to like him are a disgrace. He should be condemning ALL terrorist's and aggressior's, not just the one's who he know's won't shoot, or bomb him.
But how can one expect even handedness from someone who can't even decide if homosexuals are good people or bad people. He allows himself to be bullied by Bishops in Africa into not standing up for God's love of ALL men(since God made us all) and kowtowing to a bunch of bigot's in clerical robes.

Joshua, Buckeye, Az./USA

The ArchBishop makes a lot of good points about American Imperialistic aggression but seems to think that British Imperialism was benign.Unfortunately it was not that long ago the British Army was operating a shoot to kill policy in Ireland where they also used torture and psychological intimidation on a sizeable percentage of the population ,then there was also Bloody Sunday and the British Intelligence use of Loyalist terror gangs to terrorise the Catholic population.It would be nice to hear the eminent archbishop make at least one statement condemning this type of aggression on the Irish people.

mick fealty, Lisburn, N Ireland

Saying only that the Muslim world's "political solutions were not the most impressive" is a rather lukewarm response to those who would eradicate the nation of Israel.

<Begin sarcasm> And I suppose that those ("not the most impressive") solutions also include the Taliban's (not so enlightened) policies in Afghanistan before the US removed them from power. But then that was American imperialism, wasn't it? <End sarcasm>

The US, thought it may have encouraged coalescence of the Jihadist movement by its invasion of Iraq, is what's standing between Western democracies and a psychotic, warped version of Islam. And surely the world is better off for it.

I would have thought that the Archbishop might strongly support the values of tolerance and diversity evident in Western democracies. Instead all he offers are tepid statements lacking any decisive moral force. Oddly, the only decisive statements he makes are apparently against the US.

Joseph Mehegan, Redmond, WA, USA

I believe it was Harold McMillan who implied that the church should keep its nose out of politics, and the Archbishop's over the top comments illustrate that point. The United States is not monolithic when it comes to foreign policy, and the views he condemns about a chosen nation are not universally held. We are in fact a very blessed land with natural resources and a history of helping others. We have made mistakes - large and small - as have all powerful countries. But Dr. Williams' comments, apparently made to curry favor with a Muslim audience. They are exaggerated, unjust, and untrue.

Tom Fitzhugh, Houston, Texas, USA

I Agree with much of what Dr Williams says regarding the attitude of the American administration to the world and their rancid attempts to enforce their short sighted culture on it..

C'mon we know they have plenty of broad minded intellectuals in that country with brilliant and practical ideas for world progress. They need to give these people enough room to maneuver and guide them out of the slough that the present regime has bogged them in. Who knows given the right chance they might even be the world leaders!

Tunde, London,

Many of us here in the states are truely saddened by this "imperial presidency". Not only the abrogation of any moral high ground since 9/11 but our Attorney Genrals who do not know if water baording qualifies as "torture" We have 47 million people with high co-pays. This is = to the population of the West Caost. We have Dr.s Without Borders operating here. Never have the class distinctions been so rampant what with the extrodinary tax benefits to the wealthy, the cost of making ends meet is harder for the middle class of this country. Thank you to the Arch Bishop for exposing this moral calumny. I vote democrat, but McCain is the only GOP candidaate to renounce torture, as he was a POW in VietNam. I think we have good people here, but not in the Whitehouse, or those around him.

Marty Price, Oakland, California

Since 20 Jan, 2001 the US has become the Evil Empire. As an American I deplore the actions committed by the government justified by a "war on terror". Jimmy Carter has said that we lost what it means to be an American. I could not agree more. There seems to be a lack of leadership in the west in general and America it is at it worst. In their desire to impose their will on others America's leaders seem not to be able to carry out their plan. Hopefully this phase of American history will pass like a kidney stone and the next administration can start to rebuild America's reputation. Governments that disagree with Bush's policy feel the need to defend their countries from the US.

As an American with what this administration has done to the dollar we cannot travel like we want to and interact with other people on a one to one basis. Waiting for 20 January, 2009.

William Smith, Philadelphia, PA/USA

I am from the US, and my main problem with the Us foreign policy is international engagement. I am in favor of an isolationist policy, with ALL foreign aid programs suspended. Being involved with other countries on the political level is always a bad idea. The Swiss have it right with their armed neutrality, as do the Japanese with their cultural insularity.

Foreign engagments, the UN, NATO, etc. are all failures. People must look out for themselves, and solve their own problems WITHOUT my tax money. I think the Swiss People's Party are absolutely brilliant....I with the US could have a leader like Christoph Blocher.

Lena, Los Angeles, CA

Even as a lapsed Anglican and an agnostic now who tries, nevertheless, to live according to the tenets of the Church of England, I do so agree with the Archbishop .
I spend a lot of time in the States and the overwhelming belief that only America is moral and honest and RIGHT, is difficult to cope with. I find conversation to be a problem when the person one is speaking to, believes that invading a country and killing thousands of its inhabitants is a good way to win hearts and minds. And cannot understand why they are not grateful!

Jan, Tavistock,

And amazingly some people still pretend to wonder why that church is losing members. In Calgary they have a beautiful cathederal but the highpoint of the calendar is the blessing of household pets and livestock.

Warren, Calgary, Alberta

You mean America is not God's gift to the universe?
I am shocked and truly saddened!!!!!! It's about time someone said it.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

Yes the American government is very responsive in what they see as their universal mission; to be the worlds policeman. Being at the forefront of a New World Order.
Perhaps if the UK and France would have taken that tact in the 30's Hitler would have been merely a nuisance instead of a catastrophe. Right or wrong..it has to be; and the UK, as well as the rest of the world is better off for it.

M Levine, New York, USA