The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic 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 president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
