American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.
The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
