Argentina, U.K.: Drilling Disputes in the Falklands

A British exploration rig is expected to begin drilling operations off a disputed part of the Falkland Islands on Feb. 22, a move that has prompted strong protests from Argentina. While Buenos Aires will find the conflict over the drilling a useful distraction from its economic problems, the British government will likely proceed with the drilling. Memories of the 1982 Falklands War are resurfacing, but this time, neither the United Kingdom nor Argentine government has the appetite or the political foundation for a renewed military conflict.