Nadav Neuhaus

The landscape of Resolute Bay in Nunavut, Canada, in the Canadian High Arctic region, stretches out into the distance in June 2007. Resolute Bay is the site where the Canadian government plans to build an army training base to extend its claim of the polar region. Melting polar ice has resulted in a race to claim the Arctic and snatch its resources. Russian explorers successfully planted a titanium metal flag 14,000ft below the North Pole to lay claim to the arctic on August 2, 2007. Russia has argued that the area is an extension of its own maritime territory and has been trying to back up the assertion with scientific proof. Other countries, such as Canada, the United States and Denmark dispute Russia?s claim and competition has intensified over the resources and potential lucrative shipping channels of the Arctic. Stephen Harper, the Canadian Prime Minister, toured the country?s northern territories on August 10, 2007 and announced that Canada would build army bases and six naval vessels to patrol the area. Some scientists believe that up to a quarter of the world?s oil and gas reserves could lie in the arctic wilderness surrounding the North Pole. .... **GERMANY OUT**