U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sought Wednesday to blame a recent breakdown in Gaza ceasefire talks on the decision by some European leaders to recognize Palestinian statehood. Talks over a lasting ceasefire have repeatedly stalled since the early months of the war sparked by Hamas’ Oct.

There is no evidence that Britain’s House of Commons has the highest number of Muslim members of parliament (MPs) in Europe, contrary to widely shared online posts.

Britain has therefore been distinctive in Europe. Its European story is not merely separate and equal to that of the continent, but fundamentally different and more benign.

The leaders dropped everything to travel to Washington to ensure President Trump didn’t force a bad deal on Ukraine. A road map for peace remains elusive.

That isn’t much, but it is a start. For years, the more Britain and Europe talked, the more they riled each other up. If that indeed has changed, it will be something to celebrate.

Britain has therefore been distinctive in Europe. Its European story is not merely separate and equal to that of the continent, but fundamentally different and more benign.

Ever since the Seven Years War (1756 to 1763), Britain has prided itself on being the chief guardian of Europe’s geopolitical balances and architecture. Throughout the late 18 th and early 19 th century, Britain played a key role in checking the European ambitions of revolutionary and Napoleonic France.

History might, however, offer a clue to what might become of Britain and Europe. The United Kingdom is not so very old, after all, and what was put together in the 18th century can be dismantled.