American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.
Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish 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 joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
