"What's the Deal with Koalas?"

From February 3. 2017

There aren't too many people who know this, but I am a champion of the Koala.  It's a fascinating animal and far more appealing and interesting than their exotic competitors the pugilistic Kangaroo and shiftless Pandas.  Yet, no one seems troubled that there are very few zoos in this country that number koalas among their residents, while the nation goes crazy over even the minutia of panda breeding, even though they seem to be bad at it and, even when successful, we have to give the offspring to the Chinese.

So, why this unplanned detour into the arboreal marsupial advocacy?  Because I've been thinking about Australia today, because the President decided it would be a good thing to pick a fight with them.  As you probably know, in a call with Prime Minister Turnbull scheduled for an hour, President Trump got testy and ended the discussion after less than half that time.  The apparent source of the disagreement was the President's refusal to honor a promise made by President Obama to take in 1250 Syrian refugees currently being held by the Australians.

It is safe to say that there is probably no country on this Earth that we are closer to in outlook and attitude than Australia.  They have fought with us in more conflicts than any other country, including the U.K.  They are a pivotal link in our Asian security strategy and intelligence operations.  On the other hand, since about the time the British surrendered Singapore in 1942, the Australians have looked to the U.S. as the only reliable guarantor of their security. As I once heard an Australian tell an assembly of American officials, "The only difference between our countries is that we eat both of the animals on our national seal." 

So why do we need to antagonize such a reliable friend?  I don't believe that Trump can destroy this alliance for the simple reason that it is so strong and institutionalized.  The same is true for many of European allies, which is good if you believe the reports that the President's introductory call with Chancellor Merkle went only slightly better.  But as George Schultz observed, allies are like gardens.  They must be tended to constantly and great care must be taken to help them live.  Hanging up on the Prime Minister is not good care.