I have just spent a week in Washington, where many people assured me that a bitter and partisan debate is taking place over American foreign policy. I am not so sure. Having dutifully read the pronouncements of the leading candidates for the presidency – and talked to many of their advisers – I have drafted the following speech, which I am confident could be given by any of the main Republican or Democratic contenders:

‘‘My fellow Americans, our troops in Iraq have performed heroically and have done everything that has been asked of them. Under my presidency I will seek to bring our brave men and women home. But there will be no precipitate withdrawal from Iraq. We will secure our vital national interests.