The race to control the Arctic is intensifying as Canada moved this week to assert polar territorial claims and Russia promised of a rapid military buildup in the polar region.
The back-and-forth between Ottawa and Moscow confirms what many observers feared would happen as the global warming climate makes the frigid region and its vast oil, gas, and mineral resources more accessible.
This is a new role for Canada, as I noted nearly 5 years ago:
Back during the Cold War, when the Russian threat was to the front line in West Germany, Canada was the rear area of the alliance. If the Arctic becomes a contested zone against an aggressive Russia, Canada becomes a frontline country.
No word if Canada is establishing an air defense identification zone that Russia must comply with to fly in the Arctic Circle.
I assume we'll lead from the South on this issue.
