You’re absolutely right, but the US is not right next door to Greenland, and Greenland’s allies include Canada. When the US attacked Afghanistan, it had tons of allies. All of NATO was on their side, they had air bases they could use everywhere. Afghanistan had no allies and no capabilities to do much about the US.
Greenland is different; if they attack by air, Canada would by NATO treaty be obliged to shoot them down. And Canada has plenty of defenses against ballistic missiles, because they were basically the US’s northern flank during the cold war.
If the rest of NATO stays united, this would be a disaster for the US. Of course war within NATO would be terrible for Europe and Canada too. The only winners here would be Putin and Xi.
The US regularly moves military personnel and equipment to Europe straight from domestic bases via air. They can certainly reach Greenland as it is closer all while avoiding Canadian airspace.
Personally I believe if the US were to attack quickly it could successfully occupy Greenland in a matter of days. Leading to a very bloody drawn out war shorty thereafter.
If Denmark and it’s allies began increasing defenses now it would likely discourage the US or at the very least prevent a successful invasion.
Either way if deterrence fails there will be a very bloody conflict.
You’re absolutely right, but the US is not right next door to Greenland, and Greenland’s allies include Canada. When the US attacked Afghanistan, it had tons of allies. All of NATO was on their side, they had air bases they could use everywhere. Afghanistan had no allies and no capabilities to do much about the US.
Greenland is different; if they attack by air, Canada would by NATO treaty be obliged to shoot them down. And Canada has plenty of defenses against ballistic missiles, because they were basically the US’s northern flank during the cold war.
If the rest of NATO stays united, this would be a disaster for the US. Of course war within NATO would be terrible for Europe and Canada too. The only winners here would be Putin and Xi.
The US regularly moves military personnel and equipment to Europe straight from domestic bases via air. They can certainly reach Greenland as it is closer all while avoiding Canadian airspace.
Personally I believe if the US were to attack quickly it could successfully occupy Greenland in a matter of days. Leading to a very bloody drawn out war shorty thereafter.
If Denmark and it’s allies began increasing defenses now it would likely discourage the US or at the very least prevent a successful invasion.
Either way if deterrence fails there will be a very bloody conflict.