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Timerman Falklands ‘militarization claim’ with little echo at UN admits Argentine press

Tuesday, February 21st 2012 - 22:41 UTC
Full article 74 comments

The Argentine minister Hector Timerman presentation before the United Nations claiming the “militarization of the South Atlantic” from the Falklands by the UK does not seem to be having the expected echo according to press reports from Buenos Aires, based on correspondents’ contributions from New York. Read full article

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  • GreekYoghurt

    Hector Timerman: “I can count to potato”

    Feb 21st, 2012 - 10:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Viscount Falkland

    Timerman gets knocked over by wet sponge. Ha ha ha....Better recall him and send him to look after Tierra del Fuego

    Feb 21st, 2012 - 10:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Marcos Alejandro

    “Presidential hopeful and former governor Mitt Romney is demanding that President Obama clearly aligns with Great Britain”
    His father in law is British, not wonder. He lost with McCain last time around and now he is heading down the same way I read.

    Feb 21st, 2012 - 11:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • stick up your junta

    poor old Timerman all that leg work for nowt :-)))))

    Feb 21st, 2012 - 11:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    I just want to see him do another slide deck session on another issue. “These cows aren't really cows, they're bomb-cows, but the bombs are hidden at the moment”.. gosh it's awesome watching that car crash.

    Feb 21st, 2012 - 11:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • xbarilox

    Comment removed by the editor.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 01:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ElaineB

    Crash and burn.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 01:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • kbec

    So despite the RG's claiming the whole world supports them, the diplomatic talk has gone from “Would be nice if both sides had a little chat to try and settle their differences” to “willing to coordinate among both sides if the countries so request it”.
    I think in subtle diplomatic circles that means “get F**ked”.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 01:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Boovis

    The United Nations tries to encourage the international freedom of peoples:
    “51 Argentina 6.84 Flawed democracy Federalism, presidential system, bicameralism”
    “Press Freedom Index: 47 Argentina”
    Ban Ki-Moon comes from South Korea, he's been living next to tin pot dictatorships all his life and knows how to spot one, CFK's wasting her time.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 07:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    Hector Timerman: “I can also count to patatas”

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 07:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A.J.Rimmer

    This just gets better and better!

    “No “mediation” offer, as reported in Buenos Aires, but rather a reiteration of the “good offices” from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon”

    In other words, they are becomming increasingly fed up with rethoric nonscence.

    “The president of the Security Council, Kodjo Menam didn’t even bother to make a release on the meeting”

    Bet he walked out of that meeting complaining that he would never get those wasted minutes of his life back.

    Argentinas claims are now falling on deaf ears, face facts, admit you are in the wrong, and show some dignity by apologising to the Islanders for your actions in 1982.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 07:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @11
    Kodjo Menam: “isn't that the meteorological radar from University of Leicester?”
    Hector Timerman: “I think my face is made of cake”
    Kodjo Menam: *silance*

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 08:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GeoffWard2

    This is not a good-news-period in the life of Argentina.
    They should be carnivalling, like the Brasilians. It's great for forgetting your troubles for a while.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 09:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Be serious

    “Presidential hopeful and former governor Mitt Romney is demanding that President Obama clearly aligns with Great Britain”.

    Hmm, this Mitt Romney seems an intelligent fellow.

    Anyway Rockhopper shares up again.
    Another bullet in the foot for a certain supercilious Hispanic (wannabe Aryan) prick.

    Titter titter.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 09:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Martin Woodhead

    The new super secret military radar turns out to be a scientific radar to look at the southern lights. Oops.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 11:27 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @14 Obama hates the UK. He has this whole daddy-issue because his father rejected him and his mother for a life in Kenya with his other wives and his grandfather was in the Mao-mao revolution that failed, so there is heavily ingrained massive anti-british hatred. Because of this, he selected an Israeli chief of staff that has a family history of terrorism against the UK. This theme runs through his entire cabal.

    Regardless of how 'Atlanticist' the current UK Conservative Party leadership consider themselves, I'm sure Mitt Romney knows that President Obama is in no way going to align with the UK on any issue. Regardless of how much queen hugging his wife does.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 11:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Xect

    However given the incredibly strong feeling that the US has toward the British its a great way to beat up on Obama for being a traitor to his own people's wishes. His personal grudge towards the British is damaging to his own position.

    It's a great way for Romney to beat up on Obama.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 12:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    Tin Man stands up for his UN presentation. “Look”, he says, “that is a map.” Stepping to the front of the rostrum. “I am a total pillock.” Hasn't said anything contentious yet. “I haven't a clue why I'm here.” More silence. “That woman in Buenos Aires said I had to come here.” Expectant silence. “You know I can't say that she's a psychotic, power-hungry, plastic bitch. Help me out here.” More expectant silence. “To be honest, she's already shown me her own personal gas-chamber and the C-130 that will be used to drop my corpse into the River Plate.” Muted clapping. “Someone save me.” Silence.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 12:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Papamoa

    Another FAILED attempt from argentina, with NO results to show for there work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Long Live the Falklands.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 12:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Nightingale

    The silence from the argie bloggers is deafening . smirk

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 12:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @17 A large percentage of Chicago folk voted Obama's ex-chief of staff (the son of the Irgun terrorist) to be Mayor. Most Americans freely give money into buckets going to Irish terrorists every St Patrick's Day. They all do this freely.

    So I don't think we should slip into any illusions about the people of the USA supporting us on any issue at all. The only 'special relationships' that USA has is with Israel because AIPAC 'donate' a lot of money to help you win and Ireland because they all think they were born there.

    Our relationship with USA is very special, like a special child.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 12:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Idlehands

    I recall a book relating to 1982 (though can't recall which one) that commented about Argentine efforts at the UN at the time. The concensus was that they were totally inept and didn't really understand the organisation they were part of. Their behaviour actually helped Britain get 502 passed

    It would seem they have learnt little about the place since then. It's like they are drowning in their own propaganda and no longer able to discern fact from fiction.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 12:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    Timmerman is inept fool. I have no idea how they could have someone so incompetent running their foreign affairs. US State, Prez HATE him, they think he is an idiot. Almost the whole time he was in charge of their Embassy in USA he could not get face time with anyone of influence.
    He must have a big secret on the Ks, know their Swiss acct #s or something to be able to stay in that position. Sheesh what a clown.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 01:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @22 Well they clearly don't understand C24, Security Council nor the GA. The only one that listens to the Argfags is the C24, a committee which couldn't decolonise a shoe, and has no objective criteria for a territory being decolonised, leaving everything in purgatory.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 01:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • stick up your junta

    Why dont Timmerman get a more rewarding job, anvil salesman maybe

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 01:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @25 so long as his next job doesn't involve anything to do with a slide deck or presenting in public, then he might be okay.

    @23 The problem with opening Argfag's swiss bank boxes is that they're typically full of gold fillings, stolen paintings, and piles of shoes and hair.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 02:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Artillero 601

    @23

    “US State, Prez HATE him ..”

    Brother, you are dilutional , I can't find not even one article on Timmerman anywhere, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, ABC, CBS .... wtf !!!

    What you can find is that the Prince is in Malvinas and Harry got first place in the Apache Helicopter training, that's about it .

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 02:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    27, That's my point don't you think you would find one if he had a good relationship with State or Prez, there would be mention of a meeting somewhere sometime.
    He ruined the relationship with the USA over that idiotic stunt with our military jet. He will never be welcomed again. In fact Arg is about to lose all of its US trade preferences and they are freaking out.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 02:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    This jet? (http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/58963/us-govt-%E2%80%98not-cooperating-with-investigation%E2%80%99-timerman-says) I bet that went down well with the USA, having his cronies rooting around in their plane.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    28 yankeeboy
    “He ruined the relationship with the USA over that idiotic stunt with our military jet.”

    Do tell / post a link, I must have missed that! :o)

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    See link at #29. This will not be soon forgotten the USA has a long memory and we always get pay back.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • zethe

    “Hector Timerman: “I think my face is made of cake””

    Lmao, that made me chuckle.

    ”Do tell / post a link, I must have missed that! :o)”
    A US military plane landed(Planned, with equipment to assist Argentina), Timerman took the plane searched it and refused to release it back to the US military for weeks.

    The US military obviously wasn't pleased.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    They Jet left without permission it is not like they could have stopped them anyway. US State demanded the inventory back and got it. If we didn't have numb nuts Obama in office we could have stormed customs and taken it back ourselves. I think part of the problem is they have NO TECHNOLOGY so they don't know what they are looking at anyway and always assume the worst. Kind of like they are doing with the radar now in the Falklands. They are so dumb and backwards it would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @32 Haha way to get support there Hector.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Artillero 601

    the plane issue is ”water under the bridge : ... ;-))

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    35. It could have passed un-noticed but idiot Timmerman TELEVISED it and made it an International incident. All over a typo.

    35, If you think they have forgotten you are grossly mistaken. USA has a long memory and do not abide idiots. You now have State and Congress doing just about everything they can do to make CFKs life a little harder everyday. Plus you can't fight the Dart family, eventually they will get what they want and Arg will lose...again...it's a good thing you are used to it.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 03:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    I do wonder what makes the Argfags think the plane issue is under the bridge or is this another unfounded vacuous statement by an Argfag!?

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 04:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Idlehands

    Timmerman didn't even notice that the journalists were mocking him when they asked questions after his presentation. The press room was busier than it had been for years. The Argentines believed that signalled widespread support for their claim but everyone turned up for an event they knew would be entertaining.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 06:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @39 It was crying out for a foam-pie incident, not that I condone foam pieing people from Argentina at the UN.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 06:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    I just could not believe it, even though I had just read it.

    STUNNING in it's stupidity AND CFK still let him have a job! Just shows how desperate they are.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 06:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Artillero 601

    @36

    I'm not agreeing to what it was done, just FYI

    @37

    Fuck off !!

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 06:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Xect

    I actually think its fun with Timerman, all the UK needs to do is sit back and let Argentina continue to discredit and embarrass itself, brilliant.

    It's genius, I keep wondering if Timerman is a UK implant with a secret mission to embarrass Argentina on a worldwide scale although that plan is shot down by the fact CFK is an inept and stupid too.

    Seriously you really couldn't make it up.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 07:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @42 I'd agree... and also he does give us a reason to watch that incredibly dull UN tv channel. Without him, it would be very very dull.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 07:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    Notice how the lying argie bloggers are very quiet,
    They have been laugh out of the UN ,
    199 members, and not one, gave her any backing,

    And the only time he was given any directions, was to the toilet,

    She will drag her country to shame, over her obsession.
    .

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 09:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @44 I really want to go to the UN and watch an argentinian give a news conference now, it must be really hilarious. hahaah I hope they do a presentation too. I would laugh for hours, and have biscuits.

    It's good that none of the journos laughed out loud.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 09:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GeoffWard2

    Don't be cruel, guys.
    Sr. Timerman was told by his President to make the best case Argentina could propose to the United Nations.
    He did his best but he had duff ammunition.
    There is no requirement on him to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. This is, after all, The United Nations, not the ICJ or another court of law.
    Imagine how you would feel if you were put in this situation, where you had to make the case but could only do it through dissembly and disinformation.
    Feel sorry for the man and his embarrassed family.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 09:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • catagom

    Some great, and funny comments here. One of the reasons I visit this page so often.

    It's good to lighten things up from time to time. Keeps one from taking themselves and things too seriously.
    And the Argentinians could use a laugh. But being able to laugh at oneself is something that never really caught on here. Like the idea of individual responsibility, accountability and open-mindedness.

    Funny how they don't respect life but take themselves so seriously.
    Another one of their many stubborn, hard-headed, witless, and unsuccessful attempts to invert the natural order of things.

    Even the travel writer Paul Theroux said they were “deficient in humor, though big on talk.” (Spot on!).

    In any event, it's a shame they can't laugh at themselves, since they have no idea just how funny they are.

    Feb 22nd, 2012 - 11:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    # 3 - Very wrong. Romney is the most likely to get the Republican nomination. He had a stellar debate performance tonight, has big money behind him, and his opponents rise and fall every day.

    I'm an American myself, so let me shed some light on this issue with the US administration. Obama HATES the UK for personal, petty reasons. He also HATES the USA and people are beginning to wake up to that fact. Historically, the Republicans have had much better relations with our allies than the Democrats. They recognize allies not for their strength or economic prosperity, but for their loyalty to Western ideals and their commitment to freedom in the face of terror and tyranny. The UK is our most trusted ally. Most polls conducted among Americans show they are consistently willing to fight on the behalf of two countries. Canada and Great Britain. Other countries are not as supported. Rick Santorum (Current anti-Romney challenger) has also stated complete support for the UK's claim (though I don't think he can win). Newt Gingrich has completely deflated and Ron Paul will never get the nomination (which is lucky for the UK, as he favors treating them on an equal footing with Iran!.. not kidding, he said this).

    We don't get news about the Falklands dispute here on our pitiful excuse for news, but I can assure you, most Americans agree with the right to self-determination and once we have this weasel out of our house, our administration will too. Argentina needs to accept the fact that the islands do not belong to them and never will.

    (P.S. - Just to let you know. Mitt Romney is a little stiff, but he's a good guy. I've met him on the campaign-trail and I admire his vocal support for America's allies. He also recognizes the national security threat posed by South America in collusion with Iran. He definitely can't be worse than Osama and his annoying wife)

    Be patient, Britain... the USA has stepped out for a while, but we'll be back with you shortly ;)

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 04:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @48 It matters not whether the American president of the day likes the UK or not. Because of a flaw with Democracy in the US, the major players in lobbying power that exist there are the Israelis (AIPAC) and the Irish. The UK has no lobbying organisation because it would likely be seen to be a non-israeli foreign government involving itself in american political affairs.

    A generation of British were turned aside by first watching Blair dry-hump america's leg in the worst fashion and then by years of pure-deep-hate from Obama. It just showed that it's better to stick to you principles as a country, and if America agrees, that's fine; if it doesn't that's also fine.

    But don't kid yourself, USA has two special relationships, Ireland and Israel. UK's importance to the USA is somewhere down the list near Western Sahara. We should just get over it and focus on making new novel things to sell.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 11:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • zethe

    I don't quite agree with that. There isn't two government's in the world who share as much intelligence, military planning and secret information as the UK and US.

    The fact that BAE is allowed to work on the US' top secret projects is a massive one, there is no other foreign company allowed to do so. They were only allowed because they were British, even then it was not easy getting there.

    Different administration may not like each other and have there differences, but that connection between our intelligence, science and military sections of our nations is always there working in the background.

    Some administrations might just not like us(obama) but as Stefan pointed out, the population is also on our side.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 03:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Artillero 601

    @50

    Where is the evidence that Obama doesn't like the UK? I don't see it. Just a question

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 04:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • shb

    @ stefan - Thanks for the support. Hands accross the sea.

    Just been reading a book about the Korean war “Scorched Earth and Black Snow” The focus is on UK forces in 1950, the section about Chosin looks at RM commandos fighting alongside their USMC counterparts.

    The brits all spoke very highly of the yanks - especially how well they were looked after in terms of food by some very brave and dedicated USMC cooks.

    I am glad our 2 countries have good relations, and I never met a American I did'nt like.

    Although it is not really my place to comment on your politics at home, I agree with you about Obama - he has made some major foreign policy blunders in terms of alienating allies and appeasing foes.

    Don't take this the wrong way but “when I was a lad” I really respected Reagan - he was a president that the likes of Iran or North Korea would'nt have messed with, he stuck by the friends of the USA.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    Sad news,
    An argentine politician, died yesterday, when he hung himself with a rubber band,
    He died of multiple head fractures .
    .

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 06:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @53 brrrummmm tisch. And for my next joke...

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 06:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pugol-H

    @51 Artillero 601

    It began with his constant use of British Petroleum instead of BP, which it has been for decades now.

    Then there is his administrations position on the Falklands issue, no mention of self determination.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 07:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    Just a couple of questions. Is Tin Man back in Buenos Aires yet? Why aren't there any reports of the 2-hour long news conference at which Tin Man explained that every member of the UN supports argieland and condemns Britain.

    Surely this wouldn't be a repeat of the Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica fiascos! Only bigger and better.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 07:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Academik

    I only feel sorry for the poor arguments of the inhabitants of the Falklands for JOINING only wealth that belongs to Argentina. Hopefully the law will prevail not only the strongest will prevail but also history, geographical reasons and international law only reason to give the Argentine claim. And the ground made ​​the bogus self-determination. (this right is only when you're a native, is not the case invaded the islands in 1833 and the English settlers brought)

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 08:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    # 49 - You're clearly still living in the 80s if you think our government has close ties with Ireland. We really have no affinity for them anymore. Their mismanagement of economics has added to the Euro crisis which is now affecting us! Israel, we always stand by. They are often called “our greatest ally in the Middle East”, because they are. We support their right to exist in the face of a plethora of nations who hate them and want them all dead. Are they our greatest ally? No. But they are an ally and most Americans are grateful for them, but our security is not nearly as entwined as it is with the UK.

    #51 - Obama has shown very CLEARLY that he hates the British. This is because of the imprisonment of his grandfather in Kenya with the Mau Mau uprising (which wasn't the just movement it is often painted as). I could give you a long list of insults, but I'd exceed the word count. You can find this information online. Just search “top 10 insults by Obama to Great Britain”.

    # 52 - Feel free to comment on our politics. We'd like to see MORE backlash against our inept president from overseas. It will make deposing him a lot easier. You're right about Reagan. One of our best presidents. Not perfect, but he was a commander in chief. Obama is a bystander in chief. I'm surprised you haven't met an American you didn't like. There are A LOT of retards here, as there are all over the world. (with a high concentration in Argentina for some strange reason ;)

    As long as we have the right leaders, willing to stand by those with whom we share history, heritage and culture, I feel all the violence that is sparking right now will only bring the West closer together, in the face of those who hate us. If Argentina wish to fall in line with Iran and Venezuela because of jealousy and misplaced pride, let them. It's no great loss. The islanders have the right to remain part of Western civilization. In my opinion, it is our duty to our conscience to defend that right.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 08:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @58 I'd partially agree. Except for Israel is by far your greatest ally. AIPAC sponsors most of your senatorial seats, and I believe that the senate recently went on an all expenses paid trip to Israel. Ireland is still important because of the number of Irish-americans, hence pretty much every american president has had to fly to Ireland and claim to be of Celtic ancestry. I cannot recall Bush doing this, however.

    The part of BAE Inc. that does US work has significant separation from the rest of BAE Plc.

    If you told the average British person that the UK was amongst the top allies of the USA, I think they would be very polite but laugh at you. It might have been close, when Maggie and Raegan were chummy. But, it's clearly not true now; it's not attention seeking and ever pretty much everyone here knows it.

    I respect that other people may have other experiences, however.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 09:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    # 59 - Not the case. Some members of our government have very strong connections to Israel, but many people in the country have a negative view of Israel now (falsely believing that they are the entire reason our soldiers are in the Middle East), which balances it out. Think about it like this, who does the UK have the best relationship with, if not the US? Would you say, France, or Germany? I'm pretty sure the average Brit would have trouble naming their closest allies, as none are very friendly to British interests at the moment and they'd certainly name the US before they named a lot of the Euro-zone countries (especially if you asked soldiers). Leaders aside, we share a common language. It's the same with the Australians and the Canadians. I'm not saying the relations are great at the moment (Obama's fault), but they are far better than the UK's relationships with several of its neighbors who seem intent on undermining British sovereignty with regulations.

    From what I understand, you'll find a far more vocal “anti-EU” sentiment in Britain than an “anti-US” sentiment, but then, I'm just going by what I read online from British posters.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 10:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    Is it not true that there are only two countries in the world that use cruise missiles?

    And both these countries share a lot more into and intelligence than some people realise

    Obama is an insult to the British, but the average American is ok.
    .

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 10:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @60 I've had this conversation a few times and the usual suspects winning the best allies award are Canada, Aussies and Kiwis. Norway typically gets a mention because that's where they do winter training. Germany doesn't really have an army, it's mainly small because of US military presence, that leaves France, where the forces are working together more.

    I've not done a straw poll so cannot say what UK sentiment is towards the USA, I've noticed amongst those I know is it's seen as a massively one-way relationship combined with the 'you put oil on our beaches' style nonsense. I guess that's one for the politicians to figure out, as it affects me not.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 11:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • shb

    @ Stefan - I totally agree with your sentiments about defending democracy and
    western civilization.

    I think we have gone soft since the end of the cold war, the UK military was emasculated by new labour (to help pay for a spending spree on crap like the olympics, increased handouts to the work shy and the EU) then finished off by the moronic conservatives (cut, cut,cut then deny there is a problem, meanwhile pay billions to bail out the banks, basket case nations of the EU, and ramping up foreign aid).

    The mood over here is increasingly anti EU. I think that we should declare independence from it ASAP, can we borrow the “don't tread on me” flag for a bit? Many of the nations in it are fair weather friends with no real will to defend themselves or field viable militaries, they rely on you to do it for them. We are (sadly) going that way to and it sickens me. If we faced a resurgent Russia (busily rearming itself) we would be in real trouble.

    The world is a dangerous place and I think we need to take a good hard look at who are friends are, and also recognise that there are those (like Argentina) who wish to do us harm.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 11:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    If the British pulled out of the euro gravy train, they would have a minimum of 40 billion =+ to spend on more of our military,
    Its a disgrace that our weak livered government has done to our military,

    Again its not the people, just a corrupt government, he promised a referendum, soon the brits will throw him out, he and others cannot prevent us from pulling out forever,
    They keep sending our finest, with less and less,
    And in my opinion that is probably the only reason Argentina has got some little balls to start all this up again, besides the oil,
    We would love the US government to stand up and speak up for us,, but this will not happen, by refusing to support the UK he gives more credence to Argentina,
    But we always back them up, [do we not]
    But Argentina knows full well that the British can and will stand alone if we have to.
    The islands will remain British, as long as they wish it, and Argentina should concentrate on her own country, instead of trying to steal others.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 11:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @64 If we pulled out of the EU then our trade would suffer and our economy would probably dip by more than that 40+ billion. We wouldn't be in it if it was economically bad for us.

    The issue is with the political part of the EU that comes up with ridiculous rulings, the Schengen Agreement, and also the Euro currency which clearly didn't have any entrance criteria. But we're not in two of those, so it's better that we stay in. I'm not exactly a europhile, but I know we're in a better economic position because of it.

    Feb 23rd, 2012 - 11:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    well i think we should remove our selves,
    they wish a united states of europe, this i want no part.

    Feb 24th, 2012 - 12:23 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    My theory on the future of the EU is that in its current form, it will never succeed. The Southern Europeans just seem to be radically different from the north. They have more of a relaxed economic stance which usually ends up bad for them. I would advocate for a Northern EU and a Southern EU. Both would obviously be very much working together, but could focus on their own region's goals more effectively, without feeling castrated by Germany and the Belgians trying to centralize power. In both unions, new treaties protecting the rights to deport, imprison, impose legal penalties and block immigration for each country would be drawn up. Make the entire thing less centralized, but keep a strong sense of cohesion because China and Russia in particular are large, dangerous nations who might challenge Europe in some way in the future.

    Obviously I can't speak for the UK in any accurate capacity, but I just want it to be known, that here in the US, there is a positive sentiment towards the British among those interested in politics and the world. This is particularly evident among service members who I have heard praise the British armed forces. There is a very negative sentiment to the way Obama has treated them, as well as Poland and the Czech Republic. Don't give up all faith because of a bad president. The competition he's facing seems very hawkish on standing with allies and being uncompromising with our enemies, unlike Obama who is a modern day Chamberlain.

    Some say I'm paranoid, but I feel a strong sense that our enemies are gathering themselves again, trying to capitalize on our economic dysfunction. It could get rough in the next few years with maniacs like Putin and Chavez lurking around.

    If you don't agree, please watch this video released by candidate Mitt Romney on what kind of world we may be facing in 2015. It's a real eye-opener.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrnn4RRHFIQ

    Feb 24th, 2012 - 12:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    I understand what some think, but i think that great Britain is a maritime nation, [is][was][and always will be] dependent on the seas, and our selves, we have the commonwealth, and the rest of the world to trade with, I think some MPs just scare monger with, if Britain pulls out, we are finished, simply not true, some say, if we pull out,, Europe will stop trading with us,, simply not true, the 40% trade will still carry on, as trade is trade, if they stop trading with us, it would hurt them as well, so this is a no no, I think Britain should get its power back [economic] by growing again as a maritime nation, by now we should have sent trading groups all over the world to drum up business, and increase sales, but our government wont move until they move, that’s not independence, that’s reliance, and not very good,
    If we don’t grow, then we will shrink and be forgotten,
    [][ have you, or did you see the euro maps of the modern future Europe they printed a few years ago, Britain was a northern region of mainland France, and the name of the English channel had changed,
    And I will just end with this,,,,,
    There is nothing, but nothing, that the Europeans can give us, that our own government cant,,, and if our own government cant or wont, then something is very badly wrong .

    Feb 24th, 2012 - 12:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    Maps with Britain as a northern region of mainland France aren't nearly as scary as some of those “Eurabia” maps. Seriously, why are radical Muslims allowed to wave signs saying “death to British troops” and “Islam is Europe's future”. I'd deport these people immediately. They're dangerous

    Feb 24th, 2012 - 01:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • shb

    The EU is a political project, a dream of the left started with noble intentions. We may lose some trade if we pulled out, but I don't think we would lose much, they would still want to sell us stuff and would still want some of our goods and services. Besides we would then no longer have to pay the 5-8 billion (depending on who you belive) direct costs.

    I would also ditch the ECHR, an organistion that has forgotten the balance between justice and rights.

    We could then cut out all the stupid over-regulation and the EUs creeping thef of our democracy.

    If it was just a free trade oragnisation with a pledgr to help each other out and ties to NATO I would support it.

    @ Stefan. Unfortunately the “human rights” brigade won't let us get rid of the enemies being allowed to pile into our country. We'd love to give them the boot.

    Feb 24th, 2012 - 07:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @68-70 Look, I think we all agree that the European Commission as a political project is a complete failure, the European Court has some benefits and some total 'WHHHAT?' moments, the Euro as a currency was always going to be a nightmare given that in places like Greece people like to retire at 37 on 150% of their base salary, and people in Spain like to work 3 hours of work a day.

    You only need to look at Nigel Farage shouting at them about how wholesomely undemocratic they are to understand this is a curious adventure in politics.

    HOWEVER, the European Economic Community as its original free trade block is a very good idea. Trade leads to prosperity (unknown to the argentinians). However, we could be like Switzerland and have a similar agreement, but that costs money, and we're not isolationist. So its better just stay in the EU, but pick and choose which aspects suit us. Which I think is pretty much what we've been doing.

    In my opinion.

    Feb 24th, 2012 - 09:27 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    Then we can agree to differ..
    In the meantime, the Argies are scheming up more devious scams to get what is not theirs .

    Feb 24th, 2012 - 05:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pirat-Hunter

    I wonder if the UN members are allowed to read the news and find out what is really going on in Libya and Sirya with the armed terrorists killing people.

    Feb 26th, 2012 - 04:48 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GreekYoghurt

    @73 You mean like the armed international terrorists 'the condors' that are paid and pensioned off by the Argentinian government?

    With that in mind, I really wouldn't know about international terrorism. Maybe you should ask your government about that one.

    Feb 26th, 2012 - 10:01 am - Link - Report abuse 0

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