This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/the-top-ten-shortest-wars-10267712.html

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
The Top Ten: Shortest wars The Top Ten: Shortest wars
(about 11 hours later)
'The belief in the possibility of a short, decisive war appears to be one of the most ancient and dangerous of human illusions.''The belief in the possibility of a short, decisive war appears to be one of the most ancient and dangerous of human illusions.'
My Quotation of the Day by Robert Lynd prompted James Worron to observe that short wars are quite common – there are just fewer of them than people hope for.My Quotation of the Day by Robert Lynd prompted James Worron to observe that short wars are quite common – there are just fewer of them than people hope for.
1. Anglo-Zanzibar War, 18961. Anglo-Zanzibar War, 1896
The Royal Navy defeated the Sultan of Zanzibar in 38 minutes. Holds the record, thinks Alan Beattie.The Royal Navy defeated the Sultan of Zanzibar in 38 minutes. Holds the record, thinks Alan Beattie.
2. Football War, 19692. Football War, 1969
Between El Salvador and Honduras, lasting 100 hours. Triggered by rioting during a play-off in the 1970 World Cup (El Salvador won 3-2 after extra time). From Stephen Fahey.Between El Salvador and Honduras, lasting 100 hours. Triggered by rioting during a play-off in the 1970 World Cup (El Salvador won 3-2 after extra time). From Stephen Fahey.
3. Six-Day War, 19673. Six-Day War, 1967
Israel defeated Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Nominated by Harris.Israel defeated Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Nominated by Harris.
4. Indo-Pakistani War, 1971 4. Russo-Georgian War, 2008
Six days, 7 to 12 August. Russian victory, occupying South Ossetia and Abkhazia. A late nomination from Martin Heneghan. 
5. Slovenian Independence War, 1991
Lasted 10 days from 27 June to 7 July after Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia. Ended with the signing of the Brioni Agreement. Thanks to David Beckingham.
6. Indo-Pakistani War, 1971
Thirteen days. Hard to separate from the Bangladeshi war of independence, but Jamie Frater, who compiled a Listverse list, has this as a distinct conflict.Thirteen days. Hard to separate from the Bangladeshi war of independence, but Jamie Frater, who compiled a Listverse list, has this as a distinct conflict.
5. Serbo-Bulgarian War, 1885 7. Serbo-Bulgarian War, 1885
One day longer at 14 days. The Kingdom of Serbia objected to the unification of Bulgaria, but was defeated.One day longer at 14 days. The Kingdom of Serbia objected to the unification of Bulgaria, but was defeated.
6. Norman Conquest, 1066 8. Norman Conquest, 1066
Seventeen days. William landed on 28 September and won the Battle of Hastings on 14 October.Seventeen days. William landed on 28 September and won the Battle of Hastings on 14 October.
7. Georgian-Armenian War, 1918 9. Georgian-Armenian War, 1918
Border dispute after Ottoman withdrawal at the end of the First World War led to 24 days of war, ending in a ceasefire and joint administration. From Jamie Frater's list.Border dispute after Ottoman withdrawal at the end of the First World War led to 24 days of war, ending in a ceasefire and joint administration. From Jamie Frater's list.
8. Sino-Vietnamese War, 1979 10. Sino-Vietnamese War, 1979
Border war lasting 27 days, by which China sought to punish Vietnam for its occupation of Cambodia, toppling the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge.Border war lasting 27 days, by which China sought to punish Vietnam for its occupation of Cambodia, toppling the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge.
9. Greco-Turkish War, 1897
Failed Greek attempt to regain Crete from the Ottoman Empire, lasted 30 days.
10. Second Balkan War, 1913
Bulgaria lost in 32 days against Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania and the Ottoman Empire. Strengthening of Serbia was one of the causes of the First World War.
Next week: Terrible technology predictions, such as 'The New York Times' in 1985 on how laptop computers would never catch onNext week: Terrible technology predictions, such as 'The New York Times' in 1985 on how laptop computers would never catch on
Coming soon: Familiar phrases that don't mean what people think ("Wherefore art thou, Romeo?"). Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.ukComing soon: Familiar phrases that don't mean what people think ("Wherefore art thou, Romeo?"). Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk