Argentina calls William Falklands 'conquistador'

AP via Yahoo News ^ | 31 January 2012 | Michael Warren

[Army Air Corps]

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina said it doesn't seek another war over the Falkland Islands, and accused Britain of militarizing their sovereignty dispute by announcing Tuesday that it is sending an advanced warship to the islands along with Prince William "in the uniform of a conquistador."

The assignment of Prince William, a Royal Air Force helicopter pilot, for a six-week military mission in the Falklands in February and March has been a sore point for Argentina. It has sought to reclaim the South Atlantic archipelago that it calls the Malvinas Islands ever since Britain seized the islands some 180 years ago.

Both countries have engaged in a war of words in recent weeks ahead of the 30th anniversary of Argentina's failed attempt to take the islands back. Its invasion ended with more than 600 Argentine soldiers killed and 200 British dead in an international humiliation for Argentina's military junta.

[Army Air Corps]

Boy, the Argentine government gets their knickers in a twist rather easily.

[WayneS]

I did not know the British royal family was Spanish.

[oldbill]

One thing you have to say about the British Royals - their kids do serve in the military, and not in ceremonial positions.

William is an active helicopter pilot doing real-world missions, and Harry served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Their uncle Prince Andrew was a combat pilot in the Falklands. Even Charles was a military pilot in the peaceful 70’s.

So where are the children of Pelosi, Reid, the Kennedys, and, sadly, the Bush’s, Gingrich’s, and Romneys? Do you think Malika and Sascha Obama will ever wear a uniform?
At least Joe Biden’s kid got in service, even if as a non-combat JAG lawyer in his 30’s because it would, a la Kerry, inflate his resume.

[yank in the UK]

Their not Spanish, they’re German

[SMARTY]

Here’s how to settle it. Give the Falklands back to Argetina, then give Argentina back to Spain!!

[MrEdd]

So easy to conquer tiny ininhabited islands. Oh the brutality! Oh, the humanity!.

It took the brits to actually find a way to live there.

[WayneS]

Okay, then: I had no idea that the word ‘conquistador’ was German...

(please see tag line before replying)

[Army Air Corps]

...they’re German

So is a significant protion of the Argentine population...

[apillar]

I guess Argentina finally recovered and rebuilt from the a$$ kicking the British gave them in the 1980’s and are ready to have their military destroyed for another 30 years.

[Oztrich Boy]

So is a significant protion of the Argentine population...

So I heard

[Army Air Corps]

Now, THAT is funny.

[onedoug]

Not one of Romney´s immediate and extended family and ancestors has ever served in the military across their entire history.

Who in America doesn´t have at least some connection with the military?

I mean, really!

[yank in the UK]

The only trouble with that is that the British navy isn’t what it was 30 years ago, and this time Argentina have most of south America on its side including Hugo Chavez

[apillar]

The only trouble with that is that the British navy isn’t what it was 30 years ago, and this time Argentina have most of south America on its side including Hugo Chavez

But on the other side of the coin. With Britain being a member of the European Union, wouldn't a "first strike" by Argentina on the Falklands trigger the EU treaty and require the entire European Union to participate on the side of Britain? Come to think of it, this entire thing could escalate into another World War...

[yank in the UK]

That is a possibility. During the event of which Obama would no doubt side with Argentina, because that would be the Obama thing to do

[dfwgator]

The only trouble with that is that the British navy isn’t what it was 30 years ago, and this time Argentina have most of south America on its side including Hugo Chavez

Yep, no more Pinochet this time around to help them out.

[MasterGunner01]

I've never understood why the Argentines have this irrational attachment to the Falkland Islands (aka Malvinas) that lie 250 nautical miles off the coast of South America. The place, from everything I've heard, is not very hospitable [it has a sub-Arctic climate = chilly, windy, and damp]. The main industries are fishing, sheep herding, and tourism that provide a living for less than 3,300 full-time residents. Population density is approximately 0.65 per square mile.

The islanders have voted to remain citizens of the British Crown, so why don't the Argentines understand the citizens of this 4,700 square mile collection of rock in the South Atlantic want nothing to do with Argentina? Argentina keeps acting like a spurned lover that keeps stalking their paramour.

[naturalman1975]

8 billion barrels of oil.

[naturalman1975]

The European Union is not a military alliance. An attack by Argentina would not trigger a European response.

Nor would it trigger a NATO Response as such responses are limited to attacks on particular geographical areas that do not include the Falklands - it is the North Atlantic Treaty.

[rmlew]

The only trouble with that is that the British navy isn’t what it was 30 years ago, and this time Argentina have most of south America on its side including Hugo Chavez
The British Navy could not retake the Falklands today. They have sold off their Harriers, turning the HMS Illustrious from a VTOL carrier into a helicopter carrier and assault ship. fortunately, Argentina is in no position to conquer the islands. Argentina's air force has 8 Mirage III and 14 IAI Daggers. The 4 Typhoons and the Daring Class destroyer can take destroy that easily. The Argentinian Navy could put up a better fight. It's flagship, ironically, is a modified British Type 42 destroyer