Falkland Is.'s under dispute again

[JBA]

This came over the wires yesterday.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7425706
BUENOS AIRES, March 31 (Reuters) - Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has aggravated a crisis over grains export taxes and damaged her image by enlisting an inflammatory protest leader to fight her street battles.


This Today.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080402/wl_afp/argentinabritainfalklandsdiplomacy&printer=1;_ylt=AuDyISrf0LR0GKXcH0TdrqmROrgF

Argentine president lays 'inalienable' claim to Falklands
Wed Apr 2, 4:11 PM ET
"The sovereign claim to the Malvinas Islands is inalienable," she said in a speech marking the 26th anniversary of Argentina's ill-fated invasion of the islands, located 480 kilometers (300 miles) off shore.
Historians saw the invasion as an attempt by Argentina's ruling military junta, which was then in power, to divert attention away from domestic problems.

The comments came as Kirchner faces her own woes, battling against farmers who have barricaded roads in a protest against a stiff tax hike on soybean exports.

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Any Brits have any insight into this? Could she be making a  play for the IS. of is she looking for assistance from the outside world for the fracking mess she has made?  Or is it just a Wage the Dog situation

[RTHolmes]

sounds exactly like Galtieri's ploy in the 80's. given the increase in our capability since then, any attempt to take the Falklands would be a very bad idea.

but if they can wait a year or two, it would make a nice outing for our F35s when they arrive

[ZetaNine]

I always got a hoot out of the prosecution of the falklands war.

thatcher: We declare war....we are sending our navy....see you in three weeks!!

me thinks the hottie argentine is flexing her chavez.

[bcadoo]

..... of is she looking for assistance from the outside world for the fracking mess she has made?  Or is it just a Wage the Dog situation

She's only been president for 4 months......how much damage could she have done??

[lasersailor184]

She's a socialist, the damage is infinite but hopefully reversible. 

[Shifty]

I was stationed in the UK during the Falklands War. I have to say it was very interesting to be serving in the military in a foriegn country that was at war, while we were at peace.

I learned much about the British people, their pride, determination, and their willingness to defend their own.
I hope Argintina doesn't make the same mistake twice. Plus I believe the UK keeps the Falklands a little better protected now than they did in 1982.

[Dowding]

On the contrary, Britain's military is a shadow of that fielded in '82.

We don't have the logistics to do such a long range mission anymore (we barely did then), half the armed forces are spread between Afghanistan, the Balkans and the Middle East and defence reviews after the Cold War ended dramatically scaled back the remainder.

Argentina could take it if they wanted. Once they overcame the admittedly bolstered forces down we would have trouble getting it back, and a negociated settlement would be the only conclusion.

[Shifty]

On the contrary, Britain's military is a shadow of that fielded in '82.

We don't have the logistics to do such a long range mission anymore (we barely did then), half the armed forces are spread between Afghanistan, the Balkans and the Middle East and defence reviews after the Cold War ended dramatically scaled back the remainder.

Argentina could take it if they wanted. Once they overcame the admittedly bolstered forces down we would have trouble getting it back, and a negociated settlement would be the only conclusion.

Is there no RAF strike units based in the Falklands anymore? I seem to remember one RAF Fighter squadron based there to prevent furthur Argnetine adventures. That's been years ago though.

[RTHolmes]

not so sure about that dowding, although we have half the number of vessels we did in 1980, the RN is very well set up for expeditionary tasks now, as opposed to the ASW and anti shipping role it had during the cold war, mostly as a result of the Falklands conflict. we have a very good amphibious assault capability and our escort fleet although alot smaller is alot smarter. quality over quantity.

and if it came to it, im pretty sure the US has a large enough force to patrol the Persian Gulf on its own

shifty, I believe there is a Tornado F3 sqn based on the Falklands, not sure how many are based there though.

[Shifty]

shifty, I believe there is a Tornado F3 sqn based on the Falklands, not sure how many are based there though.

Well I'm sure it wouldn't quite as easy for the Argentine navy to park right off Port Stanely like they did in 1982 then.

[Curval]

On the contrary, Britain's military is a shadow of that fielded in '82.

We don't have the logistics to do such a long range mission anymore (we barely did then), half the armed forces are spread between Afghanistan, the Balkans and the Middle East and defence reviews after the Cold War ended dramatically scaled back the remainder.

Argentina could take it if they wanted. Once they overcame the admittedly bolstered forces down we would have trouble getting it back, and a negociated settlement would be the only conclusion.

Untrue.

All the Brits have to do is threaten to send in the Ghurkas again and the Aggies will back down.

[wrongwayric]

My question would be if the brits asked the U.S. for help, say a cv group, would we? Lot's of political ramifications to consider.

[Shifty]

I think we might assist with things like intel, but that would be the extent.

[EvlPrsn]

I think we might assist with things like intel, but that would be the extent.

yeah, the US isnt doing well enuff when it comes to foreign relations to do anything more than that.

[Xargos]

The British have stood by us for the past few years, it would be a mistake if we did not support them if they asked.