Perejil
For over a hundred years, a European power has maintained control over an island that is much closer to a less developed nation to the south. However, the non-European nation has always claimed sovereignty over it. The island has little strategic or economic value; in fact, there are more four-legged inhabitants than human ones. Despite this, the local nation sends a small armed force to officially occupy the island. The local nation receives support from most of its neighbors in the region, while the European nation has the support of most other European countries. Diplomatic efforts fail, so the European nation sends its air force and navy, along with combat troops, to dislodge the occupiers. After a short conflict, all of the local nation's forces are expelled back to their homeland, and the European nation strengthens its presence.
Did you enjoy the summary of the 1982 Falklands War? Well, that's not what I was describing. I was recounting the Perejil Island Crisis of 2002. While the Falklands are off the coast of Argentina (which claims them), Perejil Island is off the coast of Morocco (which claims it). The Falklands are controlled by Great Britain, but Perejil is controlled by Spain. In place of the thousands of sheep on the Falklands, Perejil is home to a large number of goats, and no human inhabitants at all -- well, except for the occasional temporary military garrison, which does nothing of note besides scaring the goats and attempting to plant flags.
Perejil, which comprises about 37 acres, is less than 300 yards from the Moroccan shore, yet more than 8 miles away from mainland Spain. In 2002, Morocco sent a small number of troops to the island to live among the goats, and thereby attempting to establish sovereignty over the location. However, Spain was not pleased about this action, and it responded by sending its own armed troops to expel the Moroccans. There were no casualties, and the entire Moroccan garrison (half a dozen cadets) were captured. Spain eventually released the captives and both sides agreed to a return to the status quo, which greatly pleased the goats.
Did you enjoy the summary of the 1982 Falklands War? Well, that's not what I was describing. I was recounting the Perejil Island Crisis of 2002. While the Falklands are off the coast of Argentina (which claims them), Perejil Island is off the coast of Morocco (which claims it). The Falklands are controlled by Great Britain, but Perejil is controlled by Spain. In place of the thousands of sheep on the Falklands, Perejil is home to a large number of goats, and no human inhabitants at all -- well, except for the occasional temporary military garrison, which does nothing of note besides scaring the goats and attempting to plant flags.
Perejil, which comprises about 37 acres, is less than 300 yards from the Moroccan shore, yet more than 8 miles away from mainland Spain. In 2002, Morocco sent a small number of troops to the island to live among the goats, and thereby attempting to establish sovereignty over the location. However, Spain was not pleased about this action, and it responded by sending its own armed troops to expel the Moroccans. There were no casualties, and the entire Moroccan garrison (half a dozen cadets) were captured. Spain eventually released the captives and both sides agreed to a return to the status quo, which greatly pleased the goats.
No comments:
Post a Comment