US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.
Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong 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 Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
