The 'Cod War' was 'lost' when the Icelanders threatened to deny the use of Keflavik. As per usual, the UK 'took one for the NATO team' at the 'suggestion' of the US. Our Armed Forces had b#gger all to do with it.
Also worth mentioning that the Icelanders were right to protect their stocks, and the UK's real failure was to protect its own stocks, especially from the Spanish. This would have been a lot easier if we had never been part of the EEC.
But, although I think your example is completely wrong, I do think the UK's Armed Forces are reaching the point where they cannot engage in any meaningful unilateral action. Mind you, when was the last time the UK took any action without US 'approval' anyway?
n.b. After the Cod War, my home town at the time saw its fishing fleet decline from 102 trawlers to one and a half (a sad wreck in the harbour - very symbolic) in a year.
Last edited by Fox3WheresMyBanana; 4th Feb 2013 at 12:41.