Greenland is one of three constituent parts of Denmark, the other two being metropolitan Denmark and the Faroe Islands. The citizens of these territories are recognised as citizens of Denmark.
Even though Greenland remains part of the kingdom of Denmark, the island’s home-rule government is responsible for most domestic affairs.
Despite Greenland’s autonomy, the Danish government retains control of citizenship, monetary policy, security policies and foreign affairs.
Spanning 2,166,086 sq km, Greenland is larger than France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and Belgium combined.
Although Greenland is the world’s largest island, it was seldom the focus of global media attention. Perhaps nothing sensational happened here that warranted such media recognition.
But Greenland was thrust into the spotlight with President Donald Trump’s shock announcement that the US plans to take over this amazing Arctic Island. The rationale: it is in the interest of US national security.
This announcement stunned Denmark and the international community. After all, Denmark, like the US, is a Nato member. Under Article 5 of Nato, the collective defence principle commits member nations to come to the defence of any other member state in the event of an attack.
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What would the US reaction be if neighbouring countries expressed their interest in taking over Alaska under the guise of their own national security? Uncle Sam would definitely be infuriated, to say the least.
The name Greenland is a misnomer, as it gives the impression that the place is a vast expanse of greenery. Instead, it is a massive tundra: ice blankets 80% of its land mass. Its population of 57,000 – the majority of them Greenlandic Inuit – eke out a living undisturbed by the outside world.
The island also faces an urgent climate change challenge that requires global attention if it is to preserve its pristine beauty. Rising temperatures are melting Greenland’s glaciers at an alarming rate. In 2021, I wrote a piece about how climate change would affect Greenland.
I regret I was unable to visit Greenland when I was based in Stockholm, covering the Nordic region in 2010-14. But I still keep track of developments on this magnificent island, which held its general election on 11 March. [The opposition Democrats, who favour gradual independence from Denmark, won by 10 seats in an election carried out under the cloud of Trump’s remarks.]
Trump’s remarks have generated widespread interest in this island. God forbid that the US takeover happens.
For one thing, Trump will have to contend with the people of Greenland, who are proud of their ancient history and steeped in their culture, traditions and way of life. They want to live in peace with other nations. Is that asking too much? They have no wish to become the centre of any conflict or a pawn of any superpower.
It is not surprising that outsiders are eyeing Greenland. The island is rich in various minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs) like yttrium, scandium, neodymium and dysprosium, as well as graphite, lithium and potentially oil.
Foreigners, however, should not visualise Greenland as an island for making money. Neither should they covet the island’s vast mineral wealth.
No one should dictate to the people of Greenland anything against their will. Only they have the right to determine their future. Their concerns, including ecological issues, should be the priority – not greed.
As dark clouds gather, Greenland now needs more friends as it faces the ominous challenges that lie ahead.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
If it is allright for Trump to annexe Greenland then why does USA object to China taking over Taiwan which even the USA admits that it is part of China? IS MIGHT IS RIGHT OKAY FOR USA BUT NOT FOR OTHERS. Similarly India can takeover POKashmir and even the Chickens Neck between India and Bangladesh for INDIAN NATIONAL SECURITY JUSTIFICATION.
Bless all
A very interesting article on Greenland. Thanks.