American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.
Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.