Canada has maintained a military presence in the Artic for over 50 years. The Rangers which train, work and are stationed in the far north are considered some of the best soldiers in the world. This elite group incorporates the knowledge and skills of the aboriginal people known as the "Inuit" who are now known as "Canadians". It is unfortunate for the other countries that when the area was considered a vast, frozen land known merely for its Inuit, polar bears and icebergs more interest was not shown. These opportunistic "johnny come lately's" are not entitled to one acre of the artic land. Better yet, if any nation thinks that they can survive up there better than our people I challenge them to come and take it. Let's just see how that turns out. As for Russia please, please move your nation out of the dark ages and start implementing some of the so called democratic policies that you claim to uphold. Planting flags on another country's soil is disgraceful.

C.M.Ehnisz, NY, USA

Russia is the epitome of greed, look at the size of the place, its like having a greedy child that wants more cake before hes finished withe first, listen Ivan, when you figure out where the resources are in your own country, and who actually lives in it for that manner you can have more.

Thomas Montie, Tawas, MI.USA

What would be even more interesting to discover is the environmental effects that will be manifested through the intended exploitation of this region in a world thatsis already facing dire prospects due to global warming. We are fighting for resources that have put us in this tenuos position in the first palce and that will most likely worsen the problems posed by global warming and climate change.

Yolanda Collins, Georrgetwon, Guyana

These plans have been in the works since Harper was elected and are not a response to the Russian flag drop. The Rangers are not there to act as a military strike force but to patrol the Arctic and prove Canada's sovereign right to the territory. Furthermore Canada seems more interested in the potential of the NW passage then any direct claim on the area surrounding the pole. Just because you just read about this in the last two weeks doesn't mean that Putin, Harper, Danes, etc. just stumbled upon it too...

BJ Covington, Toronto,

Those Canadians who think that this somehow relates to the 1972 Canada-USSR Summit Series need to wake up!

If the Polar Ice Cap melts (which it appears that at least, five governments hope it will so that they can commence drilling for oil and natural gas) then:

(a) the area in question will become open ocean that no single national government can legitimately claim -- five wrongs don't make a right.

(b) sea levels will likely rise and flooding of low lying countries like Denmark could occur.

This is not a hockey game! Neocons like PM Harper automatically look to military involvement as a means to solve these issues although Canada trying to single handedly take on the Russians militarily would be like Argentina taking on the Brits over the Falklands. MAybe, even dumber as even the American don't support Canada's claims on this issue.

Rob, Halifax, , Canada

I'm russian living in Europe for a couple of years. I've hallucinated in reading my compatriot's comments. I cant believ yet, but apparently it's true, that we trust in our power without any limites which could be able to destroy every enemy, with our self of coure. I would like to ask you, my dear russians: why we want alwase be the strongest and why we persuaded that all the World try to defy us?? You have just to go once in Europe and just ask them what they are thinking about us. You will be surprized about a positif reaction, I gess. Furthermore, the magority of eurpopiens don't care about Russia at all! There is enough of spase at Earth, stopp this paranoia, please. There is not USSR any more, fortunately. It's true because if it did, you would not have been able to write in this site!! (

Anton, Paris, France

You just KNOW Santa Claus isn't happy! "I am NOT of Russian Origin! The North Pole is mine! And to my wife and our team of reindeer! Besides, who will build the toys, if my elves are pushed out by Russian global efforts?"

Luposian, S.V., AZ

Basing how Britain was able to go to war for the Faukland Islands,, and there only value is mineal and oil rights beneath them.

Surly spending a few million on protecting the same rights by Russia, Canada, Norway etc is money well spent

Lets face it Oil in western governments eyes is worth fighting over ,,,note Iraq( it might not be in my eyes, but to a government it is vitally important)

As an investor in oil shares, I personally cannot see how they will get oil out of this enviroment,,lets face face facts the terrain is frozen for half of a year ,,and it is not possible to get in and out in 6 month periods os oil extracting platforms. Most investors in Russian Oil companies have seen there shares fall 80% as perma frost has melted and absorbed all metal machinery into the ground, with the added cost of rescue machinery sinking into the ground also example read about Victoria Oil and Gas SEAQ code VOG

Without a doubt all this is for really long term planning

Nicholas Iles, Oswestry, Shropshire

According to current estimates Russia has plenty of oil and natural gas reserves to last for many a year. Russia and China have a fairly close relationship. If Russia was smart they would realize that by the year 2100 Canada will be majority chinese if current demographic trends continue. If they want to resolve the (quagmire) peacefully all the Russians have to do is to be patient for 2-3 generations and then come to an agreement with China in how the resources of the north pole will be divided. By that time I am sure that the problem could be resolved peacefully using diplomatic means.

Robert Griffith, Sydney, Australia

John, Hawten: Nice one. I'm sure you will get a few heated responses from this far flung Colony. By the way, we savages out here in the wilderness spell it "wasn't". I'm sure it must have just been a typo. For if not, would indicate that rather sadly you didn't receive a proper education. Which I'm sure isn't the case.

RMR, Toronto, Dominion of Canada

I felt deeply touched when I read the success of the Russian expedition. Brave men. Brave country. Clearly an example to "other" nations. The planting of a Flag, and a claim. No bullying. No display of military force. No manipulation of public opinion. No plots, nothing hidden. Refreshing. Congrats.

Ramon Insua, Caracas, Venezuela

Generally speaking, you can subsitutute 'Dm' for 'F' in most cases, in fact - the Dm can certainly sound more effective and mood-invoking than the plain F. Alternatively, you can continue to underline the fact that these days all global policy is governed by the panic to ensure control of the diminishing energy reserves. Failure to do so will ultimately determine the winners and losers in this century.

Jes, York, UK

It'll be interesting to see to which arctic country England (a "real country") will leech onto this time... the US? Russia? Norway?

It will certainly be entertaining!

Louis Lesage, CG, US, AZ

Here we are, scrambling for over left over crumbs like a pack of starved mice. Had we actually heeded the warnings from the gas shortages back in the 70's, and sought out serious workable alternative energy, we could just be mere observers to the coming chaos from the sidelines.
Nooooo......we had to follow the politicians!

Mike Hermsen, Omaha, Nebraska/U.S.A.

There is little doubt that Canada could withstand a military claim to the Arctic by Russia. Myself, I do not look forward to American assistance, especially under the current US administration. This is all about warming oceans and the prospect of a Northwest passage. I do think oil and gas have a smaller role here.
I was born in Canada, the son of English born parents. Not to put a fine point on this, I know my father and all Canadians of draught age entered WWII in September 1939. Perhaps it is Canada's turn to call on the British Commonwealth of nations to come to our rescue. God knows Canada did in 1914 and 1939. The casualties at Dieppe were nearly 60% of Canadian forces.
Perhaps it is Canada's turn to ask for help. N'est pas.

Roger Rickards, Port Alberni, Canada

Another fact that the Study groups did not mention is that Russia is willing to melt the ice to make water, the next war will be over Water not Oil nor Gas.

Another point I would like to make out for Henry in Phoenix is that Russia is no longer Communist and the days of engaging in a direct conflict is over.

Hani, Kuwait, Kuwait

i going to tell a little story
not so long ago world the ussr broke up many soldiers were dismissed from service this is when i meet a very (to this day) good friend "legionnaire Ivan" yes that was his new name
we went through training and it soon became evident that we where the same2 poor country people that joined our nations armed forces to make a better life for us at the time
we were both feed the propaganda about each other being evil and wicked but our time tegether taught us the truth
we were just 2 guys neigther one "wanted" to kill each other nor had any ideals of taking over the world we were just doing jobs my point is it doesnt matter black,white, purple, christian, jew, musilim, american, british, russian we are people...the same we eat, shit, fart, love our families, hate our bosses WE should not allow OTHER people to decide who we hate or why we hate them or even if we should hate them that is how others gain power over us please, do not fall trapped in these lies

michaelw, somewhere, america

First of all to Kapsarov from London UK- Canada doesn't possess any nuclear weapons so I'm not sure what your nuke comment was all about.

Second of all it is troubling because of the many Islands we have in the North 200 miles off shore of these puts us very close to these disputed waters. When another country encroaches on another's space it is troubling.

Jon, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I feel the Russians proved their mettle.Putin has made Russia again a superpower.Their hard work will definitely prove that Lomonosov ridge belongs to the Russia geographically, else they would not have made an foolish effort to plant the titanium flag spending millions of pounds. Canada ,USA and Danes could also grab a piece of land provided they could prove it geographical connection.When USA has showed a peacekeeper stance, I wonder why Canada PM got raked and announced a cold - war attitude with Russia.All the nukes in the world put together cant outnumber the Russian nukes.I feel the UN should intervene and diffuse the cold-war attitude growing around artic.
Let the countries claim the artic but please no cold war!

Kapsarov, London, UK

Who's next? The Chinese I expect. They'll want the cold and clean artic air to replace the toxic soup that envelops their cities. It's so bad that the IOC may have to cancel outdoor events at the upcoming Olympics. Beware the Chinese, they have no intention of being good global citizens.

RMR, Toronto, Canada

It's very important thing, you forgot, dear Authors! You must be charge with your every word.

From Russia (Siberia) with love.

Anton, Berdsk, Russia

I heard that the Russian mission was a spoof spotted by a 13-year-old boy from Denmark online, as it used footage shot from the Titanic dive.

EH, Ottawa, Canada

"Canada was furious at the attempted Russian land grab. “This isn’t the 15th century,” Peter MacKay, the Canadian Foreign Minister, said. “You can’t go around the world and just plant flags and say, ‘We’re claiming this territory’.”"

You most certainly can!
They just did it, and the question they pose is "What yew gonna do?" They start mining or drilling or whatever, and the Canadian gummint is going to do exactly what? Slam a couple of 'fish' into the tanker?! I don't think so!

Of course, the same is true of what the Canadians do. If Canada starts mining or drilling, then what? The Russians will be very cross. And then what? Not much.

The upshot? Feeding frenzy. I expect.

Phil Camp, Newberry, Fla

In my opinion it's quite fare for Russia to claim these territories as they are near our borders. We are the first to travel to space, we should claim it for Russia. :))))

Andrey, Zelenograd, Russia

Well done! Russia is sending scientists to the arctics - Canada is claiming to prepare Military Forces (!) to resist those scientists...
Great Job! Kill those commies, as one of the earlier posts said - that's right what democracy is all about.

Max, Moscow, Russia

The human race just doesn't seem to learn, does it? Wouldn't it be best if we shared out these resources in an ordered manner so as to do as little damage to the Arctic as possible?

Ian Burgess, Bristol,

Your Homes On Native Land canadian,Go Home.

Oliver, bc,

The possibility of establishing bases and increasing Arctic naval patrols is not new, and has been table-topped for at least a decade. Similarly, it was not inspired by any Russian claim that it owns the entire Arctic (which, as someone pointed out earlier, is not what they are saying at all), but by repeated encroachments of American vessels without permission or announcement of intentions. This is far more than simply rude - it is an implicit declaration that Canada's claim to the Arctic is not recognized by the U.S., and that asking permission would lend it legitimacy. The underlying reason for the increased interest is that global warming is making Arctic trade routes and waterways, such as the Northwest Passage, increasingly viable. America plainly does not trust Canada to guard it properly, or to restrict its use to friends and trading partners, and so intends that repeated violations will become so normal that they are accepted - thus renouncing our claim.

Mark, Victoria, Canada

Thanks to Canada.

A. Schelberg, Germany,

aaron:
International law was created to resolve these issues. But a cold war thug named Putin tries to decide otherwise.

I will remind all, we seem soft on the outside, but like a bad kernal of popcorn we will break your teeth.

I educate you to the fact, CANADA has never lost a battle. 1814, we burnt the Whitehouse to the ground and ate the President's wife's supper. In WW2 we were the only country to reach its objectives on DDAy. (more examples available) In Afghanistan, our snipers set a record for distance. (The Yanks awarded them a silver or bronze star.) Perhaps we should Give PM Putin something to think about.

I think you' better read your history pal.There was no canadian army in 1814.It was the Brits who drove the American army from canada. Youv/e never fought in a war on your own and for your sake you better hope you never will!

Oliver, bc,

Go Harper! Send the Cessnas, mounties and snowmobiles!

As we (humankind) will not hold back from exploiting these resources, should we not manage them responsibly and share through negotiated agreement? And, whilst I'm dreaming, use profits for a worthy cause? Yes, that last bit really is pushing the envelope...

Canadians, Americans, Russians, Danes... we're all on the same boat!

Francois, Ottawa, Canada

Canada's reaction looks weird and stupid. Instead of sending expeditions to prove their right under the Law of the Sea they hire 900 rangers. LOL. Just wonder does any other nation support Canada's "sovereighnity" claim? Or what those 900 rangers gonna do against Russian military power if things went bad?

Ivan, Moscow,

If there's a new cold war, it has been instigated by the United States and Great Britain. When it comes to thuggish behaviour, nothing in recent years can top their performance in Iraq. What really surprises me is to see just how misguided British foreign policy has become. In the past, it made sense for Great Britain to tie it's fortune to America. But today, with the USA styling itself a thuggish hegemon, Britain's role as Tonto to the USA's Lone Ranger will be recorded by historians as the ultimate foolishness.

Recent moves by Russia to re-assert its independence are logical, and are a reaction to US hegemonism.

Fernando Leza, Caracas, Venezuela.

The Russians should just remember the '72 Canada-Russia series. We won it and will triumph again on the ice, if need be.
Go Canada Go!!!!

luke fisher, ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Let the country who is best managing their current resources be responsible for more...

the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and He'll give power over it to whoever He pleases, whenever He pleases and however He pleases...doesn't it say something about Russia attacking the U.S from the north somewhere in the bible?

Tina, London,

I agree with Mojamaiko, let Russia have the cold Arctic. Lets gets into space and claim the rest of the Solar System...

Lee, Houston, Texas

Canada, in building two new artic bases is building an infrastructure that can defend its northern borders. Canadian Artic Rangers are some of the finest troops in the world. The Canadian government must work with its First Nations people in order to protect our country from the Yanks, the Ruskies and the Danes.

Jean-Pierre, Saskatoon, SK

Its deep oil not peak oil - but continuing the peak oil lie suits the bankers, the oil comnpanies, and the government interests in controlling people.

Jericho, Any, USA

Those Russians don't know what Canadians get do when riled. The Canucks apply a little Baby Harp Seal therapy to the Russian bear.

Kev, Virginia,

Alex:

Did you ever hear of NAFTA? Canada, the USA and Mexico have already formed a team. It is just that our elected leaders have not bothered to tell us all yet. Do you actually think that Canada's military could take on the Russians alone?

Rob, Halifax, , Canada

If the US and Canada , form a union.Can the UK join? The vast majority of Brits are sick of the Socialist EU nonsense.......If we had a tripartite union, we would never have another Labour government. Just think.......Canadian resources........US business acumen. ..British inventiveness.......

Unbeatable

N Wilson, bourne, Lincs

Good stuff, Canada. :)

MM, Andover, UK

K. L. Dickson, that's what Russians want. They take only their part, look at the map of their claim. They don't claim Canadian part of the north pole, nor Greenland part.

Alex, Moscow,

Wah ? Next war ? We are bored of peace ? humm...

Martin, poprad,

The United Nations should claim all mineral rights beyond 200 miles of existing national borders for its own support. We have long needed a means for the U. N. to be income self-sufficient. This would benefit the U. S. by reducing our dues to support the U. N. I believe we currently pay about 25% of all U. N. operations. It would also de-politicize the issue of how much our dues should be and why our dues are so often not paid on time.

A Cold War in the Arctic is just going to increase military spending for all the Arctic nations, which include us because of Alaska. The last Cold War (the one from World War II cost America and its allies great fortunes and nearly bankrupted Russia, who would also have lowered or no dues if the U. N. could be more self-supporting.

Walter L. Johnson, Vancouver, WA, U. S. A.

I agree with Dickson. The Law of the Sea Treaty was clearly the product of folks who know nothing of game theory or research into how to achieve stable agreements. Any system that requires great struggles and weird determinations is inherently unstable. Anything that gives Canada sovereignty over Russia's side of the north pole, or Russia sovereignty over our side, is unstable anyway, and a great distraction from more important issues. Simple lines up to the North pole.. i'ts' the natural, fair way. Why not a treaty among all nations "in line to the north pole" to apportion mineral rights this way, and reallocate to each other whatever rights they had under Law of the Sea to the new treaty? Why doesn't the US (or Norway) try to get this moving? We can sign a new treaty...

Dr. Paul J. Werbos, Arlington, Virginia, US

Canada -> Responsible, pro-environment.
Russia -> irresponsible, pro-money, hides embarassing enviromental catastrophes

Go Canada!

P.S. Winnipeg, Manitoba has the best Comcast cable call center, period.

Preston Lewis, Sacramento, CA

aaron:
International law was created to resolve these issues. But a cold war thug named Putin tries to decide otherwise.

I will remind all, we seem soft on the outside, but like a bad kernal of popcorn we will break your teeth.

I educate you to the fact, CANADA has never lost a battle. 1814, we burnt the Whitehouse to the ground and ate the President's wife's supper. In WW2 we were the only country to reach its objectives on DDAy. (more examples available) In Afghanistan, our snipers set a record for distance. (The Yanks awarded them a silver or bronze star.) Perhaps we should Give PM Putin something to think about.

If you think I don't respect him, you are right. Like a bunch of bullies trying to take our lunch.
PS: yanks are no better

Joe Canadian, winnipeg, canada

All these years I thought the north pole belonged to Santa...lol.

Ken Shaw, Magog, Quebec, Canada

I have news for Alex of Seattle: Canada and the U.S. already have a union ; it's called the North America Free Trade Act. Canada also sells gas and oil in huge quantities to the U.S. which is Canada's main trading partner. So close are the two nations- - economically and culturally---- that the saying is if the U/S. sneezes .Canada catches cold. You can bet that the U.S. will strongly support and aid any Canadian effort to maintain and strenghten Arctic sovereignty.

manuel escott, toronto, ontario,canada

Fighting over gas and oil.....what's new? Now if it was a couple of single hot babes laying on the beach, that's a different story.....But I doubt any politician would have a chance meeting a decent one since they would never lay claim to having sexual relatons with anyone anymore.

Dennis, Madison, WI

Mr. Laham,
The United States has never laid claim to the any of the natural resources in Iraq. Prior to the liberation of the nation from the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, it was proposed that Iraq use her oil proceeds to reimburse American expenditures for the military and reconstruction effort.
Sadly, the Bush administration decided that Iraq's oil profits belonged to the new Iraqi government. The Iraqi's are to be charged nothing for the loss of American treasure and the burden is to be absorbed by the American taxpayer.
The simplistic "War for Oil" phrase has become the slogan of the uninformed.

Ray, Kingsland, Georgia, USA

Russia did not "claim" anything. It merely planted a flag on the bottom, much like many nations have planted a flag at the top - on the ice. All of the references to "claims" have been part of press commentary, as in the article here. This type of reporting tends to create news rather than to accurately report events. The Lomonosov Ridge does not run through the geographic North Pole as is clearly seen in any decent atlas.

George Fedoroff, Arlington, Virginia, US

Well, at least the Russians didn't invade the Arctic under some bizarre guise of bringing democracy or finding WMD. Something to be said for plain old honesty.

Dutch, Wyoming, USofA

i don't think any country should have a right over the Arctic. It should be made to have the same status as the Antarctic.

Deepan, London, U.K

Canada Should protect the artic, but only if they turn it into a protected national reserve and try to preserve it's natural beauty and not abuse it for profit. If it's for oil, then we are just as greedy and money driven as the russians who tried to lay claim to it and that would be an embarassment to a nation who sends it's Army around the world on peace missions.

Nick, Montreal, Canada

To: Americans and everybody else in this world!

1.Buy physical gold and silver as much as you can and only use cash.

2.Keep your physical gold an silver at home and do not tell the kids that way you will not get rob by either your kids friends or your government.

3.Pray

Alain Petit, Georgetown, ON, Canada

The democracies have too many disputes among themselves. The US, Canada, Denmark, and Norway must resolve our arctic disputes now; then we can face Russia with a united front. I'm American through and through, but I'm worldly enough to know that it's better for me to have Canada and Denmark, two allied democracies, strengthened then have the territory made Russian. So let's resolve all our complaints against each other, then back each other against Russia. Keep the Arctic in the free world and under NATO no matter what nationality.

Wade Maynard, Boulder City, USA/Nevada

Risking yet another fight/spat/brawl/war over resources that are going to run out shortly afterwards and which are responsible for the actual destruction of the disputed regions (and our planet) just beggars belief.
The cold war provoked major advances in technology we should be harnassing THAT energy.

If there is life beyond earth they must be pointing at us and having a laugh.

Rob mchardy, paris, france

What a cheek, the brits were checking out a sunken Russian submarine (on behalf of the Russians) useing deep diving mini subs, at the same time the Russians were useing there mini subs to stake there claim in the Arctic, "this world sucks".

David Crocket, BRADFORD, UK

Mr. Northwood, what the heck does the moon have to do with the North Pole. (Or are you saying this is the same justification that the US uses for invading Iraq? i.e. The US has been to the moon so let's claim Bagdad, or Berlin, or Belgium, or.....oh yes, I know, the North Pole!!!)

Colin Parker, Victoria, B.C. Canada

Has anyone asked the Mexican president what he thinks

Daniel ONeil, Junction City,Oregon, USA

America and Canada should form a union, similar to the EU. With Canada's vast mineral resources (second largest oil reserves on Earth) and America's giant economy (GDP of over $13 trillion, #1 in the world), we would make an unstoppable team. What do you say, Canadians? If 27 countries can come together in Europe to form a union, why can't two in North America?

Alex, Seattle, USA/Washington

Yes, ours the moon, and Mars, Saturn, the asteroid belt (probably good mining there), and Jupiter's moons too!

Mojamaiko, Porter Ranch, CA

It was Boris Eltzin who managed to sign the 200-mile treaty. He was probably drunk at a time. Before that the territory belonged to the USSR. So its just an attempt to get back what was lost.

John Northface, Moscow,

Indeed, stand up for yourself. P.s is Canada even a real country? i heard it was'nt.

Jon, Hawten, England

I am just wondering, why nobody else went down deep (13500 ft) and put their flag, why nobody else invested in such equipment and besides rule is: Dont use it - lose it. Maybe now Russia excercising same rule to gain balance, after many years of absence in world politics and military dominance of US and rest of the world.

Daren Alex, Toronto,

Silverstein is right, that's exactly the way I read the statement,but it's also a show of hand on despair of things to come. Its peak oil ladies and gentleman. Let me inform you of this,then do your own research. Saudi wells are showing 55% water cut. That means 55% of what's pumped out every day is the same seawater that was pumped in to push the oil up.
Experience has shown when the water cut gets between 70 and 80% the field collapses. Discoveries of large oil wells(Mega Projects- 500 million barrels plus)have been in steep decline since 1962. Demand soaring. The planet consumes a billion barrels of oil (or two Mega Fields) every 11 and 1/2 days. From first discovery to first production generally takes 6 years. If a new project can make use of existing infrastructure, maybe 4 years. 2003 = seven new mega proj. were brought on stream. 2004 = 11 new mega proj. start producing. Total 18. 2006 = Fell to 11. 2007= only 3 to start. 2009-2010=0.Global Warming's a smoke screen N W O is 2.

James Neal , Houston, TX. / USA

nuclear power.pure and simple.it wont be cheap but it will be predictable.we in britain are already dependent on russia for our resorces.putin and his cronies are clearly insane,we must free ourselves from them.france gets 70% of its energy from nuclear or other sustainable means.we must act now while our economy is booming.

john, corby, england

Russians beat the Americans to space… period

your argument is ridiculous, "yes Russia was first in space but WE were first in THAT one particular area of space!!!"

... big deal; every country that travels to any arbitrary sector or lands on some useless rock can say they were first in that specific area. If you claim the moon than the Russians can claim the stratosphere, because “they were there first”.

Ignoring that, the U.S. has no claim to the arctic, Alaska extends out of the Canadian continental shelf, thus its between Russia, Canada, Norway and Finland.

Also everyone seems to be under the impression that Russia is grabbing the entire pole, they are actually fighting for a slice of it that falls within the region of their county's longitude lines converging in the north. There is a map of this somewhere out there.

Eat your heart out Bruce.

Vic, toronto,

Why is it so surprising that Russia is staking a claim to the neighboring resources of the North Pole as an extension of Siberia? Is it not more preposterous that the United States has layed claim to the natural resources of Iraq which in no way is an extension of its continental shelf?

Stanley Laham, Davie, FL

I love Canada for what it is doing right now! Stand up to those damn Commies, I mean Russians. America has your back! Oh Canada...

Henry, Phoenix, USA/Arizona

Claim the arctic shelf. Fantastic idea. How about this: Don't? Instead of wasting more U.S resources on something that is NOT worth it (and will do god knows what to the planet in and of itself), why not proceed with things like Renewable, marine-based wave energy plants, Solar plants, and renewable shizzle such as that? It would probably cost less anyway. Idiots.

Russell, Las Vegas,

I didn't even know Canada's Prime Minister's name was Stephen Harper until I read this article. Very informative. Don't they have a queen or something in Canada? Anyway, I am sure Russian generals are very concerned about the actions of the Canadian military. Especially now that they know that apparently Canada has an army. I am sick and tired of Putin's antics. It's time somebody put Russia back in its place. Go Harper!

Veniamin Nikolayev, Philadelphia, US

No Cold War here - Russian technological and geological supremacy will establish the scientific and legal proof for what they believe to be true. If you believe something, you try to prove it by all means that you have. Read the President's comments - he is looking for proof to International standards.

As for supremacy - what other Country has Parlimentarians who actually DO things like polar exploration and deep sea submersible work, rather than just blow hot air.

Well done to everybody on the Polar expedition! We are proud of you!

Charles, Moscow,

V. Putin and his team have let the genie out of the bottle. Their greed will ruin them and global security, too. The North Pole belongs to the world.

Egor, Moscow,

Our Home and Native Land, Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Mark, Sault Ste Marie, Canada


Should read " Our Home 'On' Native Land.

Oliver, Brighton,

It should be made clear that this is not actually a dispute about sovereignity. The dispute is about the "economic zone" which normally extends 200 miles from the coast. This can be increased to an absolute maximum of 350 miles, if the sea-shelf is found to extend that far. Beyond the 350 miles it is always international waters. So to say that Russia was claiming the whole arctic based on the Lomonosov Ridge is just plain bad research.

John Strachan, Oxford,

Here's a novel idea...How about sharing the exploration costs and oil instead of spending billions on guns?

Mike, Seattle, Washington

Since you are the only nation to travel to the moon you can have whatever resources are there!!

Malone White, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

If the Lomonosov Ridge extends all the way from Russia to Greenland, do the Russians claim Greenland, or do the Danes claim Russia? Remember, the Vikings settled northern Russia.

James H. Fox, Allentown, PA, USA

The Arctic needs protection from the energy-hungry nations all laying claim. As a Canadian, I would say we are in a better position to do so than Russia. But we can't forget our own nation's dumping of toxic chemicals in the Arctic during the Cold War at the radar stations spread across the North. Dump sites still exist when the military abandoned those sites along with its responsibility to clean up its legacy.
Let's hope the race to stake claims doesn't interfere with the number one priority -- preserving the environment.

B. Ian Tripp, Calgary, Alberta

let scientific data proof the claims made by Russia and other counties.

SukhoiSS27, Delhi, India

Very, very sad in a way!

How serious can these five governments (Canada, Russia, USA, Denmark, and Norway) be in stopping climate change and the melting of the polar ice caps when they all know that that oil can only be drilled if these same caps melt!

Greed may truly end of us all! I think that the aforementioned idea of staking a claim on Mars might be a very good idea.

Rob, Halifax, , Canada

These claims are clearly incorrect.

The arctic region belongs to me. I claimed it in the name of insanity long ago.

Ken, Buffalo, New York, United States

Well actually it is August 11th somewhere other than Madison, Wisconsin, but that isn't important now.

If the basis of the claim made is an underwater extension of the above surface landmass how far can we take this argument. I assume that Great Briatn, using the same logic could claim that a vast majority of the earths underwater surface is their soverign territory. The Nordic nations might disagree with such a claim and no doubt the Italians and Greeks would dispute their ownership claims.

It's a creative argument but for the last few centuries no nation has claimed soverignity below the earths surface, just control of the surface itself, and even then at the very most (for most nations anyway) only 200 miles from its shoreline.

I like the suggestion made by Bruce Northwood that using this logic we should lay claim to the moon. If we do we need to add Mars to our posessions as well.

Two things this world needs less of is Politicians and Bureaucrats.

K. Kilroy, Chesapeake City, MD

Our Home and Native Land, Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Mark, Sault Ste Marie, Canada

man you say COLD WAR .......its more then that russia said that the north pole belongs to them ........

aaron silverstein, boulder , CO

Way to go, Canada. It's as much yours as it is Russia's.

Sharon Turk, Largo, Florida USA

It's not quite August 11 yet.

Here's an idea: If the continental shelf is shared, why not divide the polar region based on the easternmost and westernmost longitude of the part of the country that borders the Arctic Ocean? Of course, there will be some overlap, but that will be sorted out .

K. L. Dickson, Madison, WI, USA

Since we are the only nation to travel to the moon we should claim it for the US.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

It's not quite August 11 yet.

Here's an idea: If the continental shelf is shared, why not divide the polar region based on the easternmost and westernmost longitude of the part of the country that borders the Arctic Ocean? Of course, there will be some overlap, but that will be sorted out .

K. L. Dickson, Madison, WI