A New Cold War Heats Up the North Pole

Editorial, The Times | May 29, 2008

Sparked by a recent Russian territory claim at the North Pole, a meeting has been called this week in Greenland over the future of the Arctic. ++ In the midst of a decade old rivalry, the US, Canada, Russia, Norway and Denmark have a huge stake in future development as the region may contain up to a quarter of the earth's natural resources. ++ Although each nation is committed to a peaceful approach, agreeing upon a political framework for this melting - and therefore expanding - region will uncover new opportunities as well as altercations.