US Attack on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Future Greenland Takeover.
Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
