King Charles Tiptoes Into the Breech

Well, Charles III's address to Congress was a bit short of what Winston Churchill would have achieved, but perhaps it was right-sized, reflecting Britain's much-diminished role in Europe and the world. (His country today, including reserves and Gurkha mercenaries, can muster about half the number of British soldiers who were rescued from Dunkirk in the spring of 1940.)

The king wisely pointed out that the only time NATO's common-defense article has been exercised was to support the US after 9/ll: 457 Brits died in Afghanistan, along with 159 Canadians, 90 Frenchmen, 63 Germans, 53 Italians, 44 Poles, 44 Danes, 41 Australians, and troops from 23 other nations. "Today," he added, "... that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people."

We keep hearing that President Trump has a curious affection for the British royal family, including King Charles. Let's hope that the king's visit will remind him that we too have a stake in supporting Ukraine against its monstrous invader.