The “special” relationship Australia enjoys with the USA won’t leave the headlines this week. 

First Australia’s PM attacks Barack Obama and the Democrats - then spends two days on the back foot as he defends his jibes.  Today the new USA ambassador to Australia admits he hasn’t read the core document that forms the backbone of the strategic alliance between Australia and the USA.  And this is after the Ambassador post had been left vacant for eight months. 

David Hicks remains in custody at Guantanamo Bay - the sole Australian in custody.  Five years on full charges haven’t been brought and a trial date is not forthcoming.  All British citizens held in Guantanomo were released years ago.

John Howard positions himself as the man responsible for the strong relationship between Australia and the USA.

Perhaps we should ask the new ambassador or David Hicks instead.