Argentina 'plotting Falklands economic blockade'

[happyslug]

40. Annxation of Cuba has been kicked around since the 1850s

But the US has NEVER claimed Cuba was part of the US for legally the US never had a legal claim. On the other hand who rules Cuba affects New Orleans. The British attack on New Orleans in 1815 had support from Cuba, and the Union Forces that Took New Orleans in 1862 used Cuba as a base (Through US Troops never technically landed in Cuba, other aspect of the attack, such as food did come from Cuba and Haiti).

Thus the US has always had a strong voice and concern in what happens in Cuba. In 1896 Spain was ready to agree to Cuban independence do to US Pressure, when the US instead took Cuba by Force and then as part of the Subsequent peace treaty set up Cuba as technically independent but under US control for all practical purposes. Castro even had US Support at one time during his war to take over Cuba (and then went for Soviet Support for fear of a US invasion).

Thus Cuba is a good comparison, except its population is much larger and its exports much larger then the Falklands, but even Castro has to deal with the US do to how close the Cuba is to the US. The US dollar is used in Cuba and US -Cuba travel does occur despite the sanctions.

Just like Castro, the Falklands has to deal with its nearest neighbor and sooner or later some sort of compromise between Argentina and the Falklands will be made (i.e. An independent state within Argentina using English and English Common law instead of Spanish and the Civil Laws for example).

In fact, Cuba and the US may have to cut a deal on Oil within Cuban Waters. The US can develop those fields better then anyone else, thus a deal will be made (Through probably through BP a British Company that can claim it does NOT need to comply with US sanctions). Since the US never had a legal claim to Cuba, sovereignty is NOT an issue, through whose troops other then the US and Cuban troops can be in Cuba will be an issue.