Britain and Argentina have renewed their...

Britain and Argentina waged a 70-odd day war over the islands in 1982. Now all self-proclaimed republics - both recognized and unrecognized - cite the Falklands to support their cause.

London claims that Abkhazia and South Ossetia were illegally torn from Georgia (along with their inhabitants), whereas the Falklands are legally British territory and are populated exclusively by British people.

Britain retains control of the islands and finds it very unpleasant when the Falklands question is raised because it reminds the world about Britain"s complicated colonial past and the British about their glorious imperial past. But beyond this, the Falklands issue prevents the world from seeing Britain"s position in the recent disputes over self-proclaimed republics - be they recognized or unrecognized - for what it is.

The Foreign Office"s attitude can be summed up as follows: It would be great if the Falklands remained the property of the Crown, and it would be better

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