The cold, windswept islands may find themselves once again in the crosshairs of an international conflict that will draw in all of the major players.
Thousands of Argentines gathered across the South American country to mark the anniversary of the 33rd anniversary of the opening salvo of the Falkland Islands War. A significant number of those Argentines were veterans of the Falklands War which lasted 74 days and ended in June 1982.
Now, with the discovery of oil and gas in the island region, another generation of veterans may be called to serve.
Tensions are rising in Buenos Aires as the administration of President Cristina Kirchner has signed a deal with Russia and China for long-range bombers and fighter planes. In response, the United Kingdom has stepped up spending on military munitions and equipment in defense of the Falkland Islands, known as The Malvinas in South America.
The cold, windswept islands may find themselves once again in the crosshairs of an international conflict that will draw in all of the major players.
British companies have found oil and gas just north of the Falkland Islands. The Argentina government has stepped up their threats to challenge all exploration and drilling efforts. UK companies have described the discoveries as “better than expected.”
Almost 28 meters of oil-bearing and 19 meters of gas-bearing reservoirs have been found. The licensed areas are owned by Falklands Oil and Gas who holds 40% Premiere Oil, 36% and Rockhopper Exploration, 24%
With the oil and gas discoveries, a conflict between UK and Argentina will be seen as a war to protect the rights of UK companies instead of a fight to support the islanders’ self-determination.
Economically, the discovery is the pot of gold. Politically, it is problematic for the UK. The dispute has been ongoing for close to two centuries and the conflict is not going to go away anytime soon. Argentina’s claim to the islands is both a moral claim as well as a geographical claim.
The South American country’s claim dates back to anti-colonialism. The islands’ 3000 residents demand to remain British citizens and the thought that they can veto the relations between the UK and Argentina is unthinkable to many observers.
People familiar with the UK/Argentina problem do not see a possible resolution soon with many looking for some form of joint sovereignty. The present situation is untenable.
Until now, the United States has supported Britain. Argentina has the backing and support of the entire South American continent. The continent’s support adds significant political weight. IAny ruling against Argentina would be difficult to be enforced, but a decision would raise the pressure on the British government.
The Falkland Islands are a remnant of the economic piracy that historically has been the foundation of the British empire. In 2015 it is ludicrous that 3,000 Islanders can continue to hold on to territory that is 300 miles from Argentina and 8,000 miles from the United Kingdom. Most observers feel that if the islanders want to be British, then repatriate them to Britain.
After all, if you want to be British, what better place than Britain itself?
Military Question
Recently, the UK has increased its military spending for the Falklands pointing to a threat from Argentina as the reason. Spending millions is justified by the British with the idea that there are billions of dollars worth of oil and gas off the shores of the islands.
It would be a hard sell to convince the British public that Britain should go to another war, 8,000 miles away, over the idea of self-determination. Most would see it as a British attempt to protect British oil and gas companies in their fight to extract billions.
At the end of the day, arguments around the self-determination and the rights of the present Islanders to determine their future are just a smoke screen.
It is about the economy and economics.
It is about the oil and gas.
Jerry Nelson is an American freelancephotojournalistbased in Buenos Aires. Busy on assignment, Jerry is always interested in discussing future work opportunities. Contact him via emailtoday and follow him on Twitter.
Sun Apr 05, 2015 at 5:39 AM PT: British defense chiefs told about pending incursion from Argentine Special Forces. News released April 5, 2015.
So...if you don't live in Argentina, you just may NOT know what is going on. Anything else is speculation.
jandrewnelson2@gmail.com