US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.
The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry in the polar region. "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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
