US Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.
Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s 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 Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 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 Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" 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 Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals 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 become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
