Former Top NATO Commander Says Trump's Greenland Plan is 'Not Crazy'
The ex-NATO commander in Europe has expressed that Trump's proposal regarding Greenland is logical. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Danish-owned Arctic island is being regarded as a potential “strategic goldmine” for Washington, according to James Stavridis.
In a recent discussion on ‘The Cats Roundtable’ with John Catsimatidis on WABC 770 radio, the former NATO supreme allied commander in Europe suggested that US President-elect Donald Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland from Denmark is not a “crazy idea.” However, Stavridis dismissed the notion of military intervention, urging instead for economic engagement to enhance ties with the region.
Stavridis described Greenland as a “strategic goldmine for the United States,” citing its geographic significance and abundant natural resources. “It sits at the very top of the North Atlantic. It protects approaches to our own country – the Atlantic Ocean – so it is geographically very important,” he explained. He also noted that the area is rich in rare minerals and likely possesses extensive oil and gas reserves. “And it’s huge, a huge land mass. It’s three times the size of Texas,” he said, agreeing with Catsimatidis that Greenland could be “almost a better deal than Alaska.”
Stavridis pointed out that the US nearly purchased Greenland in the 1860s at the same time it acquired Alaska, asserting, “So it’s not a crazy idea.” He emphasized that military intervention should not be considered, stating that the focus should be on economic engagement to counteract Russian and Chinese influence in the area. “We could do an awful lot in terms of business, investment, box out the Russians, box out the Chinese, and work very closely with Greenland,” he commented. He also mentioned that while Greenland “doesn’t have to become the 51st state, it could certainly be an economic objective for us.”
Trump initially proposed buying Greenland in 2019, a suggestion that was quickly turned down by Danish and Greenlandic officials. He recently revisited the idea, calling the ownership of the Arctic island “an absolute necessity” for US security.
Greenland's pro-independence prime minister, Mute Egede, has rejected the sale of the island but expressed willingness to engage in discussions with Trump, stating, “We have a desire to be the master of our own house.”
While Denmark has dismissed Trump’s proposal, there have been indications that Copenhagen might consider enhancing the US military presence on Greenland, where an American base is currently located.
Since gaining self-governance in 1979, Greenland has been striving for increased sovereignty. The island maintains its own government; however, Denmark still oversees foreign affairs and defense matters.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a recent discussion on ‘The Cats Roundtable’ with John Catsimatidis on WABC 770 radio, the former NATO supreme allied commander in Europe suggested that US President-elect Donald Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland from Denmark is not a “crazy idea.” However, Stavridis dismissed the notion of military intervention, urging instead for economic engagement to enhance ties with the region.
Stavridis described Greenland as a “strategic goldmine for the United States,” citing its geographic significance and abundant natural resources. “It sits at the very top of the North Atlantic. It protects approaches to our own country – the Atlantic Ocean – so it is geographically very important,” he explained. He also noted that the area is rich in rare minerals and likely possesses extensive oil and gas reserves. “And it’s huge, a huge land mass. It’s three times the size of Texas,” he said, agreeing with Catsimatidis that Greenland could be “almost a better deal than Alaska.”
Stavridis pointed out that the US nearly purchased Greenland in the 1860s at the same time it acquired Alaska, asserting, “So it’s not a crazy idea.” He emphasized that military intervention should not be considered, stating that the focus should be on economic engagement to counteract Russian and Chinese influence in the area. “We could do an awful lot in terms of business, investment, box out the Russians, box out the Chinese, and work very closely with Greenland,” he commented. He also mentioned that while Greenland “doesn’t have to become the 51st state, it could certainly be an economic objective for us.”
Trump initially proposed buying Greenland in 2019, a suggestion that was quickly turned down by Danish and Greenlandic officials. He recently revisited the idea, calling the ownership of the Arctic island “an absolute necessity” for US security.
Greenland's pro-independence prime minister, Mute Egede, has rejected the sale of the island but expressed willingness to engage in discussions with Trump, stating, “We have a desire to be the master of our own house.”
While Denmark has dismissed Trump’s proposal, there have been indications that Copenhagen might consider enhancing the US military presence on Greenland, where an American base is currently located.
Since gaining self-governance in 1979, Greenland has been striving for increased sovereignty. The island maintains its own government; however, Denmark still oversees foreign affairs and defense matters.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
