Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee 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 military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 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 global security."
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both 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 reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
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