American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.
The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
