US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.
Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 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 reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "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 overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.