Falklands Reprise

The Falkland Islands has long been a bone of contention between Britain and Argentina, who claim sovereignty over the islands that they call "Islas Malvinas".
In the early eighties, our two countries even went to war over them. Argentina decided to occupy the islands and establish their sovereignty over them. Britain sent our forces in, and in a short, exceptionally bloody war for its length, drove the Argentinians out.
This particular powder keg is primed to blow up again. The touch paper has been lit, and now it just remains to see if it will be doused, or if it will explode again.
At the moment, it's just handbags at ten paces, with posturing and a few lightly veiled threats. Argentina has imposed conditions on passing through its waters.
However, what makes this situation so dangerous is that geogolists say there is a bonanza of oil in the area. Suddenly, the Falkland Islands have become extremely valuable as whoever controls that oil will make billions from it.
Drilling has started, which Argentina is already unhappy about.
So, what happens if and when oil is found?
Well, consider this:
Britain's armed forces are terribly stretched with the situation in the Middle East.
Argentina has the support of its neighbours, who are even talking about setting up a coalition of South American countries which will exclude the US.
When oil is found, a foreign nation will be making billions of pounds from a reserve located within a couple of hundred miles of the coast of Argentina, a location they already argue belongs to them.
Imagine this; it's like some foreigner coming over and taking all the vegetables you'd been growing in your garden to sell at the local food fair. Needless to say, you would be furious.
I think that once oil is found in that area, we are going to see a new war break out. And this could escalate into the third world war that people are predicting.
These tiny islands, inhabited by a small population, could trigger events that could suck the world into armageddon.
Think about it: Argentina already has the support of its neighbours. How much support will it get if it offers them a share of the oil wealth?
If Britain goes to war with these nations, then the US will be obliged to help. This may suck Russia in on the opposing side. A European coalition could be formed, drawing more nations into the conflict, and bringing part of the theatre of war to Europe. With Britain and US distracted, the Taliban will grow stronger and reestablish itself. Iran will continue its nuclear development, as will North Korea. The war in the middle east will probably start with Israel and then spread across the area. The two Koreas will clash, bringing China into the conflict, and this will eventually draw Japan in.
It might all sound a bit dramatic when you consider the Falklands is just a tiny group of islands. But, don't forget, the First World War was started with a single gunshot.