American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.
Recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
