Sunday, April 01, 2012

Almost? Get Real

We did not "almost" side against Britain in the Falklands War:

According to newly released documents from the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif., the U.S. almost took sides against its most important ally, driven by the diplomatic maneuvering of Secretary of State Alexander Haig.

Please.

I do remember that war. I know Haig was on shuttle diplomacy. But to be fair, early on who knew if Britain really intended to fight for the islands?

Recall, too, that this was before Latin America began a wave of democratization. Then we worried about Soviet-backed leftist governments and movements in the region and wanted to reverse them. If Britain wasn't going to fight, why not take an opportunity to score points?

But don't be confused that we were going to do anything but help our British friends retake the islands if the British decided to do what it took. "Almost," indeed.