US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Acquisition.
The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
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 leaders of both Greenland issued a unified 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 vast majority 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 legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
