British power has been in decline for almost a century now, starting with the bleeding Britain received in the world wars, followed by the loss of British colonies and the contraction of the British economy. But, after its triumph over the Argentine agressor in the terribly named and executed Operation "CORPORATE," and the cementing of its "Special Relationship" with the US, Britain still passed itself off as a solid military power.
However, its humiliating fiasco in Iraq, and the impending collapse of its Afghan mission, have now shown that while this is not the first time Britain's imperial hubris has led the nation to disaster, it may very well be the last. This is a terrible blow not just to British pride, but also to American ambitions, of which Britain has always been a loyal enabler. It is also a warning to the United States about the limits of imperial power.