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Under Siege: Decision-Making During the 1982 Falklands War

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Under Siege: PLO Decisionmaking During the 1982 War

by Rashid Khalidi

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	874 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	256 pages

In April 1982, the world's attention was riveted on the remote Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory lying just off the coast of Argentina. Argentina had invaded the islands, claiming them as their own. The United Kingdom responded by dispatching a task force to retake the islands, sparking a short but bloody war.

Under Siege chronicles the gripping events of this conflict, providing a detailed account of the key decisions that were made by both sides. The book examines the complex political, military, and diplomatic factors that shaped the war's outcome, and provides a fascinating insight into the challenges of decision-making in the midst of conflict.

The Invasion

The Argentine invasion of the Falklands began on April 2, 1982. The invasion force consisted of approximately 6,000 troops, who quickly overwhelmed the small British garrison on the islands. The British government was caught off guard by the invasion, and initially struggled to respond.

However, the British government soon rallied and dispatched a task force to retake the islands. The task force was led by Admiral John Fieldhouse, and consisted of over 25,000 troops, as well as a number of warships and aircraft.

The War

The Falklands War lasted for 74 days, and saw some of the fiercest fighting of any conflict since the Second World War. The British task force faced a determined Argentine resistance, and both sides suffered heavy losses.

The war was ultimately won by the British, who retook the Falkland Islands on June 14, 1982. However, the victory came at a high cost, with over 900 British troops killed and over 2,500 wounded.

The Decision-Making

Under Siege provides a detailed account of the key decisions that were made by both sides during the Falklands War. The book examines the political, military, and diplomatic factors that shaped these decisions, and provides a fascinating insight into the challenges of decision-making in the midst of conflict.

One of the key decisions that the British government had to make was whether or not to send a task force to retake the islands. This was a difficult decision, as there was no guarantee that the task force would be successful, and the potential for casualties was high.

However, the British government ultimately decided to send the task force, believing that it was the only way to restore British sovereignty over the islands. This decision was ultimately vindicated, as the task force was successful in retaking the Falklands.

The Legacy

The Falklands War had a profound impact on both Argentina and the United Kingdom. The war led to a renewed sense of national pride in the United Kingdom, and helped to strengthen the country's resolve to defend its overseas territories.

In Argentina, the war led to a period of political instability, and helped to pave the way for the eventual return of democracy to the country. The war also had a significant impact on the relationship between Argentina and the United Kingdom, which remains strained to this day.

Under Siege is a gripping account of the 1982 Falklands War, and provides a detailed analysis of the key decisions that were made by both sides during the conflict. The book offers a fascinating insight into the challenges of decision-making in the midst of conflict, and is essential reading for anyone interested in military history or international relations.

A British Soldier Stands Guard In The Falkland Islands During The 1982 War. Under Siege: PLO Decisionmaking During The 1982 War

About the Author

Under Siege is written by Martin Middlebrook, a leading historian of the Falklands War. Middlebrook has written extensively about the conflict, and his work has been praised for its accuracy and objectivity.

Middlebrook is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and has been awarded the Butler Medal for his work on the Falklands War. He is currently a Professor of History at the University of Birmingham.

Under Siege: PLO Decisionmaking During the 1982 War

by Rashid Khalidi

4.7 out of 5