Imperialistic Argentina once more extends its soiled talons

[barackattack]

David Cameron has accused Argentina of "colonialism" for continuing to claim sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has demanded renewed talks about the future of the islands - which Argentina calls Las Malvinas.

But Mr Cameron told MPs they would stay British for as long as the islanders wanted, and Argentina's demands for that to change were "like colonialism".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16617666

[Ray Rider]

It's not too surprising Argentina would try to assert its claim now that Obama is backing them.

[GreecePwns]

inb4 "LOLWUT Britain complaining about colonialism?"

[pimpdave]

Will the UN step up and stop this international menace before it's too late?

[barackattack]

Buy your fireworks and party hats early, as Argentina looks set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War with another astonishing military defeat.

[pimpdave]

I always envisioned Argentina more as a hooved animal rather than on with talons.

[barackattack]

The Argentinian pig? Might be fun to see whose side Iran took in that scenario.

[saxitoxin]

Argentina looks set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War with another astonishing military defeat.

By whom? The Royal Navy of today is basically a coast guard / harbour police force.

RN Light Aircraft Carriers - 3 (1980) ... 1* (2012)
RN Attack Submarines - 32 (1980) ... 7 (2012)
RN Cruisers - 2 (1980) ... 0 (2012)
RN Frigates & Destroyers - 70 (1980) ... 19 (2012)

* currently can only operate in the summer due to preparations for scrapping / all fixed-wing aircraft have been removed due to skyjump being in disrepair - now only operating helicopters

- Raj

[barackattack]

As much as it pleases me to see just how devoted you are to following UK affairs, saxi, I'm not entirely sure that your four hand-picked figures are of much relevance.

Particularly as we are talking about a potential conflict with Argentina.

http://www.globalasia.org/V5N4_Winter_2 ... ihara.html

[saxitoxin]

Based on public statements and the new OAS pledge for Pan-American cooperation it's also unclear Obama would grant resupply rights at Ascension Island like Reagan did. Unless the Royal Navy plans on getting out the oars and paddling the second leg of the trip to South America, it seems like the plan to have Detective Cadbury and Officer Basil issue citations for illegal parking to Argentina's mechanized battalions is the best plan.

The NSC agreed that the Falklands police – rather than the Armed Forces – would be used to combat a flag-planting by the Argentines.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... z1k7Un1AYX

- Raj

[barackattack]

But Mr Cameron went public with details of the meeting yesterday to deliver a ‘strong message’ to Buenos Aires that the UK will respond militarily if Argentina tries to reclaim the islands.

Do learn to read more than one sentence at a time.

[saxitoxin]

But Mr Cameron went public with details of the meeting yesterday to deliver a ‘strong message’ to Buenos Aires that the UK will respond militarily if Argentina tries to reclaim the islands.

Again ... with what?

With due deference to the strategic acumen and brilliant military insight of Dave Cameron, this is just sabre-rattling - but without an actual sabre - by a Prime Minister trying to save face.

In 1982 the RN sent 42 combat vessels to the Falklands. The entire UK Navy barely has half that number today. The RN could pull back from every mission in the world - including the defence of Britain itself - and only be able to muster 50% of what it did in 1982.

The UK deployed 3 aircraft carriers to fight out a hard-fought victory during the last engagement. There are no more aircraft carriers left (at least any with aircraft aboard). Who's providing air cover? Or is that not needed for the first time in the history of modern combat?

Critical thinking is an important ability when reading press releases issued by politicians. Until you acquire that specific skill-set, I think you'll find this is Britain's best hope for a defence against Argentina.

[barackattack]

I'm not sure what makes you think unrelenting cynicism equates to critical thinking, but okay.

Has your obsession with the UK led you to a chance encounter with some statistics on the Argentine navy?

[barackattack]

Actual, forget that. It's not like your record on factual accuracy is particularly white and snowy.

Finland has twice as many police, per capita, as the U.S. but three times the crime.

[saxitoxin]

I'm not sure what makes you think unrelenting cynicism equates to critical thinking, but okay.

Has your obsession with the UK led you to a chance encounter with some statistics on the Argentine navy?

Addressing posited questions (who is providing air cover? where will the RN refuel?) rather than screaming that you're being persecuted will likely be more convincing to the unengaged readers of this thread.

Actual, forget that. It's not like your record on factual accuracy is particularly white and snowy.

How about Admiral Woodward speaking 2 years ago? Is he in on the grand conspiracy with me to persecute you and slight Britain?