Boycotting Iceland

JayTee99_2

dag wrote: »

I think that boycotting Iceland is a really silly idea. To be honest, I really don't fancy the idea of Iceland becoming an enclave of Russia, especially given the difficulty that Georgia has had with Russia recently.

I suppose we could ignore what's going on in South Ossetia, because it's a long way from London. But Iceland is just a little bit too close to home to let Russia walk all over it, in my opinion.

Maybe I'm being overdramatic. After all, the loan that Moscow is offering Iceland is, theoretically, a commercial loan with no strings attached. However, I find it hard to believe that it's a commercially sensible loan, given Iceland's current difficulties. And I also find it hard to believe that Russia won't be interested in receiving political favours from Iceland in lieu of repayment. And I further find it hard to believe that that there's absolutely no risk of military consequences in the event that these political favours should fall through. And I think that Britain, especially Scotland and the North of England, is too close to be sure of not getting caught in the crossfire somehow.

dag, don't worry, it's not going to happen (the military solution), i don't believe that Russian geopolitcal policy is being re-written to include Iceland.

The Iceland and Georgian situations are very different. It could well be argued that Russia was acting correctly by defending their passport holders in Georgia (also on their border)

The loan to Iceland just gives Russia a higher international profile. Russia are cash rich/oil rich, but have lost friends in the west right now.
Invading Iceland wouldn't give Russia any advantages, just a downside.

however, who knows, they might negotiate a deal which allows Russia to install 'missile defence stations' on their soil (similar to the ones being installed by the U.S. along Russia's borders, in Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine etc)

Now if Iceland had vast untapped oil fields, or similar, we would have been the first ones in there

nicko33

Babycakes wrote: »

Out of principle

Which principle exactly would that be?

Arch_23

dag wrote: »

I think that boycotting Iceland is a really silly idea. To be honest, I really don't fancy the idea of Iceland becoming an enclave of Russia, especially given the difficulty that Georgia has had with Russia recently.

I suppose we could ignore what's going on in South Ossetia, because it's a long way from London. But Iceland is just a little bit too close to home to let Russia walk all over it, in my opinion.

Maybe I'm being overdramatic. After all, the loan that Moscow is offering Iceland is, theoretically, a commercial loan with no strings attached. However, I find it hard to believe that it's a commercially sensible loan, given Iceland's current difficulties. And I also find it hard to believe that Russia won't be interested in receiving political favours from Iceland in lieu of repayment. And I further find it hard to believe that that there's absolutely no risk of military consequences in the event that these political favours should fall through. And I think that Britain, especially Scotland and the North of England, is too close to be sure of not getting caught in the crossfire somehow.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that going on a mad spending spree in House of Fraser department stores would be a sensible way of handling the situation. Nor am I suggesting that we should all pack our freezers full of frozen fish. But I really don't see how kicking Iceland when it's down is going to help, without causing more problems along the way.

maybe the Russians wanna build a military base there, wonder what the Americans will think about that....

nothing like a good old world war to get the economy out of depression :think:

markbloke

sadabbott wrote: »

If you love Iceland so much, go and emigrate there. We dont want your sort in GREAT Britain.

That's funny, I was just down the pub with the rest of GREAT Britain and they were all saying they didn't want your sort in our country. Really, ALL of them said that. I bumped into the population of ICE Land on the way home (I bought a Big Issue) and they said they didn't want you either. I hear the RUSS Ians will be friends with anyone at the moment, you might try them.

Stompa

sadabbott wrote: »

We dont want your sort in GREAT Britain.

Oh dear, your username really does appear to be an accurate description.

EalingSaver

sadabbott wrote: »

By affecting the Icelandic economy, we send a message that what they did was wrong.

I think the Icelandic economy is now sufficiently up s*** creek that not buying a few fillets of cod is not likely to make much difference. I think they already have the message. They are facing a future of back to fishing, farming, prosthetics manufactuing and royalties on Bjork CDs/downloads.

I'm very disappointed that european governments felt it was beyond them to construct a rescue package and instead they have had to go to Russia. I cannot believe that is in the long term best interests of Europe, its member states, or the western world in general.

And yes regardless of the above it was still right that Landsbanki assets in the UK were seized. The bank is in default, the Icelandic government is unable, and certainly unwilling, to honour. So this is right until things are resolved.

If europe had come up with a rescue loan for Iceland, maybe that part wouldn't have happened.

But I feel no ill will to Icelanders in general nor to the country. In hindsight the country got horribly out of its depth in the finanical markets, and when the most disruptive financial events since probably 1929-33 hit the fan, they and we got s****d.

Personally, assuming we do finally get our money back from whomever, I'm minded to donate a small portion to an Icelandic charity. They are certainly going to need as much help as possible, especially if they finallyu end up honouring some of the banks external liabilities, which every Icelander is going to then end up paying for who knows how many years.

sadabbott

How foolish of me. I should have realised, Iceland is our best friend now - A few days ago they stole your money.

I think the Icesavers should refuse to accept their money back. The Icelanders obviously need it far more than you.

globalds

Babycakes wrote: »

Out of principle, I will be boycotting Icelandic produce as will my business.

Voted.... Most stupid thread of the year ...

Dopple

Despite having only a population of around 300,000 Iceland have had three Miss World winners. How could anyone boycott such a place?

pumpndump

In that case they can pay us in sex slaves.