A broad ranging US perspective

[Squawk]

A range of discussions in here address a range of issues and I just noticed a speech from that US Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich, which touches on many of them.

It includes reference to Australia being the "best friend" of the USA; (link to Julia's speech in Congress recently)
Security and the Middle East situation
WikiLeaks

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/adelaide/171311/speeches/20110210.pdf
I've read a number of his speeches - see http://canberra.usembassy.gov/speeches.html - and TBH they are generally frank in a refreshing sort of way and offer a different perspective on big issues than may be presented by our friends in the media.

Not everyone's cup of tea maybe, but I'm sure some will be interested to peruse this material.

[redandblack]

I've started to read this, squawk.

Interesting read and I'll finish reading it ASAP.

[Squawk]

Ambassador Bleich is on Q and A next Monday night at 9.30pm, along with KRudd and Julie Bishop. Should be interesting!