US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.
The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
