09 JUL 07 / "Gordon Brown: Hawk or Dove?"

Gordon Brown, the new British prime minister, has been in Tony Blair's shadow for a long time. In fact, Blair's rapid rise to power was due largely to Brown's willingness to step aside for him. Now the leader of America's closest ally, Brown will play a significant role in determining victory or defeat in the war on terror.

Brown's rhetorical response to the attempted terrorist attacks of less than two weeks ago was weak and will only encourage further attacks. Indeed, these botched attacks may have been intended to test the reactions of the new prime minister.

Jacqui Smith, the new home secretary, described the attacks in her statement to Parliament as 'criminal acts' by 'communities'. Such euphemistic language can threaten the national security of Britain.

Brown's careful choice of words, characterizing the attempted attacks that would have killed hundreds if successful as 'criminal acts', are indicative of a foreboding lack of will to fight and win the war on terror. Brown has even instructed his ministers not to use the word 'Muslim' or the phrase 'war on terror'.

By appointing high ranking officials who were opposed to the war in Iraq, censoring his government's language, he is distancing himself from the United States and emboldening the terrorists.

With Gordon Brown now in office, it appears the Anglo-American alliance against terror has a fissure.