If the U.S. seizes Greenland, Canada could very well be next. We must send a clear message now, showing we stand with our NATO allies and support the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland.
When faced with an authoritarian-minded expansionist movement, it is tempting for countries to seek their own short-term side deals and hope that they can hide while others are targeted. Of course, history shows that this only emboldens those who seek territorial expansion, and means that when your nation is targeted, you find yourself with fewer allies than if you had supported others early on.
This is what Canada faces today, as the U.S. President continues his push to annex Greenland, a move that would destroy the NATO alliance and plunge the world into chaos. We can hide, stay quiet on Denmark and Greenland, and hope the U.S. turns its attention elsewhere. But doing that would mean abandoning our allies, abandoning our values and even abandoning our self-interest. If the U.S. were to take Greenland, Canada could very well be next. Trump-connected figures like Steve Bannon are already laying the groundwork for action against Canada, and there are growing indications that some within the Alberta separatist movement (which is far short of having majority support in the province) are coordinating with annexationist elements in the United States.
To his credit, Prime Minister Mark Carney has been doing a good job expressing Canada’s support for Denmark and Greenland, and has made clear that Canada will abide by our NATO commitments:
These are important signals, as Article V of NATO declares that an attack on one is an attack on all. If the U.S. were to attack Greenland, it would be an attack on NATO itself and would represent a truly historic betrayal. Were Canada to face a similar betrayal in the future, we would want the support of our allies in Europe.
Now, it’s time to turn our strong words into action by sending troops to Greenland. Reports indicate the government is considering it:
“The Canadian government is considering sending a small number of troops to participate in training exercises in Greenland, following the lead of multiple European countries, a senior federal government source tells CTV News.
This, as U.S. President Donald’s Trump continues to insist he “needs” the Danish autonomous territory for national security purposes, and ramps up demands to take control of the island.
A final decision about whether to send any Canadian troops has not been made, according to the source. The contingent is likely to be very small, and a symbolic show of support.”
In theory, this would satisfy both European concerns and American concerns (legitimate ones, not Trump’s ‘psychological’ need for Greenland, which is an absurd and unacceptable reason). It would show that we are willing to stand by our NATO allies in Europe with a tangible commitment, and it would show that we are willing to contribute to enhancing the NATO presence in Greenland, something that reasonable American officials have expressed support for.
Most importantly, it would demonstrate that Canada will not allow fear to dictate our decision-making. Now is a time for principle, courage, and doing the right thing. That’s why, with the consent of Greenland and Denmark, Canada should send troops to Greenland.
Spencer Fernando
Image – YouTube
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