Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
According to The Telegraph’s sources, it is to be used as an incentive to encourage the UK to boost defence spending.
American defence planners are stepping up pressure on European allies to boost military spending, as Pentagon officials are drafting bold new targets to push NATO members toward a five percent commitment.
According to The Telegraph, Washington plans to give Britain special focus during an upcoming review of military contributions.
American officials view the UK as a vital partner, but they feel recent investment plans fell short of a “step in the right direction.”
A senior US official told The Telegraph that Washington expects more movement from London.
“I would expect the UK to receive special attention because it has so much potential,” the official explained.
Leverage on sovereignty
When asked about altering the position of the United States on the Falkland Islands, the official did not rule out the possibility. Washington wants action.
Everything remains on the table to encourage heavier burden-sharing across the alliance.
“I can say that they [conversations] are candid and nothing is being ruled out as far as options for encouraging the sort of burden-sharing that we seek,” the senior US official told The Telegraph.
The US currently does not endorse UK sovereignty over the Falklands but maintains official neutrality while recognizing British administration.
The Falklands issue
For centuries, the Falkland Islands have been the center of a political tug-of-war between the UK and Argentina over sovereignty of the roughly 12,000 km² group of islands less than 500 kilometers from the Argentine mainland.
The two countries fought in the Falklands War in the early 1980s, when Argentina landed troops on the islands. The UK sent troops to fight off the Argentine forces, and after 74 days Argentina surrendered.
Argentina maintains that the islands are Argentine territory, even though a 2013 referendum on the islands showed 99.8% support for staying British.
