The Falklands War

This month saw the 30th anniversary of the Falklands war. Whilst talking to a friend of mine, I got a glimpse of an American viewpoint on this pivotal conflict. I got the impression that he thought that it was a colonial war and anti-colonialism on the part of the Argentinians; as opposed to an illegitimate attack on a foreign power. I would argue that it was the latter of these, although many people, including British people, would disagree with me. I could argue this point, although I don't think it's all that important thirty years on. What I do think is important is the real possibility that this war contributed to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Obviously, no war is favorable. But from a British perspective the Falklands war could be thought of as the perfect war. Firstly, there was a clear enemy who were the initial agitators. The Argentines, unprovoked, invaded a British overseas territory. Secondly,  the task force sent to the islands had a very clear mandate: to get them back. And lastly, the task force achieved it's mandate quickly and fully, that is the Argentines surrendered and everyone could go home. These things: a clear enemy, a "noble" and clear goal, and a quick and favorable outcome, gave the impression that war could be good. By all accounts, national pride at home in Britain swelled. And, in the 1983 general election just after the war, one up and coming politician competing for a seat in parliament, saw the popularity of the Thatcher government soar from a historic low, all because of a war. That politician was called Tony Blair and he would become the bulldog at President Bush's side, egging him on to a war in Iraq.