Why does the Spanish government continue to claim Gibraltar?
A2: Good question- no idea, apart from trying to look “crusading”. Gibraltar provides a convenient smokescreen from the real issues: 21% unemployment (49% in places) and a huge domestic drugs-smuggling and money-laundering problem. (See A3) There have been hints that Spain wants complete military control over the Straits of Gibraltar, which would pose problems- during the Gulf War, Spain refused to allow US or UK aircraft through her airspace on the way to the Gulf. Gibraltar did not impose any such restrictions. Had Franco been able to close the Strait during W.W.II, the consequences for the free world would have been disastrous. Another suggested option would be to “ethnically cleanse” Gibraltar and lease it as a naval base to the US (after making sure that friends and relatives of the Spanish government get the McDonalds, etc. franchises). No official Spanish suggestion is democratically viable.
