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Canada considers sending a small number of troops to Greenland as Trump seeks to acquire the island, and well, it’s a bit of a whirlwind of a situation, isn’t it? If the United States is seriously considering trying to “acquire” Greenland, which essentially boils down to an invasion, then Canada’s response is understandable, and quite frankly, necessary. The idea of the U.S. having complete control over the island, strategically located in the Arctic, is a concern for a whole host of reasons, especially for its northern neighbor. The talk of “acquiring” the island instead of using peaceful methods raises serious red flags, and it’s something that should be approached with caution.

This isn’t just about protecting Greenland; it’s about protecting Canada too. If the U.S. controls Greenland, they effectively have the upper hand in the region. This is where strategic thinking comes into play. If the U.S. has military bases in Greenland, they are that much closer to Canada, which impacts Canada’s defense capabilities. Also, it’s not hard to see that if a hostile entity controls Greenland, it complicates any alliances Canada might have, particularly with European nations.

Let’s be honest, the Canadian and Danish approach to the Hans Island border dispute, also known as the Whiskey War, is the perfect blueprint for how this situation should have been handled, with some conciliatory whiskey as part of the deployment. The fact that the nations exchanged flags and bottles of liquor is a testament to the fact that diplomacy, and a good sense of humor, can go a long way. But, Trump’s pursuit of Greenland is no “Whiskey War”. This feels like a bad movie plot, not real life.

There’s a lot of emotion wrapped up in this. There’s a palpable frustration, which is understandable. The feeling is that the response shouldn’t be a consideration but rather a swift decision. The time for deliberation seems to have passed, and it’s time for action. The U.S. has, or is reportedly putting, 1,500 Arctic airborne troops on alert; these “symbolic” troop deployments aren’t going to cut it. We should be supporting Greenland.

Of course, the immediate implications for the U.S., but also a world perspective, are clear. If the U.S. takes Greenland, allies could be cut off from support. The fear is that this could have devastating consequences, and that any military support that Canada can give to Greenland in defense, will be repaid in kind should the U.S. decide to invade Canada.

The underlying sentiment is about preserving international order. The idea that a country can simply “acquire” another is unsettling. It’s a blatant disregard for sovereignty and the rights of the people living there. And, honestly, who knows what Trump is thinking? It’s often difficult to ascertain his thought process. The world is watching. The idea of Canadian troops fighting U.S. troops, on a snowy island, because of someone’s personal ambitions, is a dystopian scenario.

The potential for a wider conflict is scary. If the U.S. attempts military action in Greenland, it could trigger a series of events. NATO’s structure could be impacted. It’s not a stretch to imagine a scenario where NATO members, potentially including the Netherlands, Canada, and others, find themselves aligned without the U.S.

The consensus is clear: Greenland should remain free. And the world, or at least a significant part of it, is ready to stand against Trump’s plans. The feeling is that the military deployment needs to be more significant, a clear statement. It’s about protecting Greenland, yes, but also about defending the principles of international law, and sending the message that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated.

The geopolitical aspects can’t be ignored. The Arctic is becoming increasingly significant, due to new shipping routes, resources, and strategic interests. The worry is that this could lead to militarization of the region.

There’s a call to action. Rather than debating, it’s time to act. Support Greenland. And don’t waste time “considering.”