US threatens to annex Greenland - 2025/2026

[Sarahlou]

Given that Trump's extraordinary remarks about NATO countries not fighting on the front line were made in the context of the US allegedly being unable to rely on help from allies, I hope this piece of fact-checking by the BBC will not be seen as irrelevant.

Most troops killed in Afghanistan were American - but Nato allies suffered significant losses​

15:20​

By Tamara Kovacevic and Rob England

Downing Street says comments by US President Donald Trump - that Nato troops stayed "a little off the front lines" during the war in Afghanistan - were “wrong”.

Following the terror attacks of 11 September 2001, the US invoked Nato’s Article 5 - which treats an attack on one member as an attack against them all - and launched military action in Afghanistan.

A total of 51 countries - both Nato and non-Nato , external- took part in the conflict that followed.

Among Nato nations that fought in Afghanistan, 24 suffered casualties according to iCasualities, external, a website that has tracked deaths in the war from 2001 to 2021, when the troops withdrew.

Over this period, the US suffered the highest number of deaths overall – 2,465 - followed by the UK with 457, external and Canada with 158.

However, if you express Nato deaths in Afghanistan in proportion to these countries’ populations, the US had 7.9 deaths per million, closely followed by Denmark with 7.7, the UK with 7.2 and Estonia with 6.7.
(BBM)

Downing Street says Trump 'wrong' to claim Nato troops avoided Afghanistan front line

Veterans and bereaved families call the comments insulting, as the prime minister's spokesperson says "we are incredibly proud of our armed forces".

www.bbc.co.uk

From this link:

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Donald Trump's remarks about British troops in Afghanistan are "insulting and frankly appalling"

"If I had misspoken in that way - or said those words - I would certainly apologise," he says

 

[otto]

I’m not sure if this has been shared here yet, but this should give non-Americans in this thread an idea of how things are going in the US right now. This happened at a Kennedy Center event attended by multiple members of Congress.

Greenland American Flag cake served at Republican Kennedy Center event

‘It’s gonna be an international incident,’ one partygoer said before the cake was sliced

www.the-independent.com

It looks like the US Government has retreated to presenting the invasion of a sovereign country as a joke filled with taunts and ridicule. That won't last long. Recall that the US is at war with Canada: Economic War, with the goal to destroy the economy and force Canada to join the US. That won't happen, but the war is ongoing. The aggression against Greenland will escalate again from a new angle that hopes to bypass NATO.

~ in my humble opinion ~​

 

[otto]

Given that Trump's extraordinary remarks about NATO countries not fighting on the front line were made in the context of the US allegedly being unable to rely on help from allies, I hope this piece of fact-checking by the BBC will not be seen as irrelevant.

Most troops killed in Afghanistan were American - but Nato allies suffered significant losses​

15:20​

By Tamara Kovacevic and Rob England

Downing Street says comments by US President Donald Trump - that Nato troops stayed "a little off the front lines" during the war in Afghanistan - were “wrong”.

Following the terror attacks of 11 September 2001, the US invoked Nato’s Article 5 - which treats an attack on one member as an attack against them all - and launched military action in Afghanistan.

A total of 51 countries - both Nato and non-Nato , external- took part in the conflict that followed.

Among Nato nations that fought in Afghanistan, 24 suffered casualties according to iCasualities, external, a website that has tracked deaths in the war from 2001 to 2021, when the troops withdrew.

Over this period, the US suffered the highest number of deaths overall – 2,465 - followed by the UK with 457, external and Canada with 158.

However, if you express Nato deaths in Afghanistan in proportion to these countries’ populations, the US had 7.9 deaths per million, closely followed by Denmark with 7.7, the UK with 7.2 and Estonia with 6.7.
(BBM)

Downing Street says Trump 'wrong' to claim Nato troops avoided Afghanistan front line

Veterans and bereaved families call the comments insulting, as the prime minister's spokesperson says "we are incredibly proud of our armed forces".

www.bbc.co.uk

Everything presented by the US government at Davos has to be fact-checked. There may not be much left once the propaganda is removed.

"Trump questioned Europe's commitment to NATO. "We would be there 100 percent, but I'm not sure they would be there for us," Trump said, citing NATO Article 5, which states that "an attack on one is an attack on all."

However, Article 5 has only been invoked once, and the Europeans came to the aid of the United States. This happened after the 9/11 attacks.
...

Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, among others, participated in military operations in Afghanistan. Belgium also provided F-16s, along with ground troops and instructors. The Belgian engagement in Afghanistan lasted a full 20 years. Several countries also conducted patrols within US airspace in the aftermath of 9/11.
...

The claim that Europeans have shown no willingness to support the US in the past is untrue. There are no indications that Europe would hesitate militarily in the event of a foreign attack on a NATO ally."

Heeft de VS Groenland gered in WO II? En bestaat Canada door de VS? Dit klopt (niet) van beweringen van Donald Trump | VRT NWS: nieuws

"De Verenigde Staten hebben Groenland gered tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog", "Canada bestaat door de VS" en "de NAVO zou ons waarschijnlijk niet te hulp schieten". Het zijn 3 uitspraken van Donald Trump tijdens zijn toespraak op het Wereld Economisch Forum in Davos, maar kloppen ze ook? Tijd...

www.vrt.be

~ in my opinion ~​

 

[LAborn]

From this link:

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Donald Trump's remarks about British troops in Afghanistan are "insulting and frankly appalling"

"If I had misspoken in that way - or said those words - I would certainly apologise," he says

I think those pesky numbers and realities would tax his brain. JMO

 

[Moll]

Everything presented by the US government at Davos has to be fact-checked. There may not be much left once the propaganda is removed.

"Trump questioned Europe's commitment to NATO. "We would be there 100 percent, but I'm not sure they would be there for us," Trump said, citing NATO Article 5, which states that "an attack on one is an attack on all."

However, Article 5 has only been invoked once, and the Europeans came to the aid of the United States. This happened after the 9/11 attacks.
...

Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, among others, participated in military operations in Afghanistan. Belgium also provided F-16s, along with ground troops and instructors. The Belgian engagement in Afghanistan lasted a full 20 years. Several countries also conducted patrols within US airspace in the aftermath of 9/11.
...

The claim that Europeans have shown no willingness to support the US in the past is untrue. There are no indications that Europe would hesitate militarily in the event of a foreign attack on a NATO ally."

Heeft de VS Groenland gered in WO II? En bestaat Canada door de VS? Dit klopt (niet) van beweringen van Donald Trump | VRT NWS: nieuws

"De Verenigde Staten hebben Groenland gered tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog", "Canada bestaat door de VS" en "de NAVO zou ons waarschijnlijk niet te hulp schieten". Het zijn 3 uitspraken van Donald Trump tijdens zijn toespraak op het Wereld Economisch Forum in Davos, maar kloppen ze ook? Tijd...

www.vrt.be

~ in my opinion ~​

Agreed. I think, though, that your list of countries should include and highlight Denmark, in the circumstances and given its high casualty rate in proportion to its population.

 

[Mo Thuairim]

Danish troops were combat ready in Greenland - report

Troops sent to Greenland by Denmark were ordered to be combat ready in case the United States attacked the autonomous Danish territory, Danish public broadcaster DR has reported.

US President Donald Trump backed down on threats to seize Greenland by force after meeting NATO chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday, saying he had reached a "framework" of a deal on the Arctic island.

Prior to that, Mr Trump had not ruled out the use of force, insisting that the US needed Greenland for "national security".

DR said a Danish military order last week said soldiers in Greenland should be equipped with live ammunition.

It also outlined a multi-phase operation that included the possibility of sending additional forces and assets later, if needed.

Civilian and military aircraft then began transporting soldiers and equipment to Greenland, according to DR.

The deployment was officially a part of the Danish-led military exercise Arctic Endurance, which Copenhagen has said will continue "throughout large parts of the coming year."
...

Danish troops were combat ready in Greenland - report

Troops sent to Greenland by Denmark were ordered to be combat ready in case the United States attacked the autonomous Danish territory, Danish public broadcaster DR has reported.

www.rte.ie

 

[MelmothTheLost]

There's been a fair amount of commentary on X over the past 24 hours suggesting that Trump is dying, citing both the very visible decline in his general appearance in the past year and his orange make-up becoming more yellow, suggesting liver or pancreatic failure. IF it's true, it might explain why various matters have suddenly become so urgent for him.

 

[Lebowski]

There's been a fair amount of commentary on X over the past 24 hours suggesting that Trump is dying, citing both the very visible decline in his general appearance in the past year and his orange make-up becoming more yellow, suggesting liver or pancreatic failure. IF it's true, it might explain why various matters have suddenly become so urgent for him.

i had that thought. i don't have an opinion on possible signs of terminal illness themselves, but it does some like we've had a recent flurry of activity that's both crazier than usual and sort of aiming bigger, and that could be a sign of someone whose time is running out.

 

[BetsieR1]

There's been a fair amount of commentary on X over the past 24 hours suggesting that Trump is dying, citing both the very visible decline in his general appearance in the past year and his orange make-up becoming more yellow, suggesting liver or pancreatic failure. IF it's true, it might explain why various matters have suddenly become so urgent for him.

It seems like we've had wave after wave of health scares (hopes and dreams) since his first term. He survived covid, an assassination attempt (allegedly), and scandal after scandal. I won't get too amped up until it's good and done. Then I'll party in the streets. Anywho, back to Greenland, as a casually interested American I just don't understand this sudden fixation. At first it seemed like he brought it up like some sort of placeholder for future distraction, and now he's using it. So that tells me there's something more significant in the works. Epstein?

 

[LAborn]

There's been a fair amount of commentary on X over the past 24 hours suggesting that Trump is dying, citing both the very visible decline in his general appearance in the past year and his orange make-up becoming more yellow, suggesting liver or pancreatic failure. IF it's true, it might explain why various matters have suddenly become so urgent for him.

What worries me is his staff will remain after he passes, and they are just as bad imo.

 

[otto]

An apology is required from the US Government to NATO countries for the sake of the US people.

NATO countries demand an apology from the US Government for making false statement at Davos, and on US media, regarding NATO participation in defending the US after the US invoked NATO Article 5 in 2001. Unless the US Government retracts the false statements, and presents fact, many people in the US will continue to feel like victims of NATO. A country filled with people who believe they are repeatedly victimized by NATO countries is a psychologically unhealthy population.

Only one country has invoked NATO Article 5, and that was the US. All NATO countries fully honoured their commitment. The US population deserves the truth in order to make informed choices.

"Trump reiterated on Fox News his remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos that he was "not sure" whether NATO allies would be there for the US "if we ever need them." "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan," Trump said. "And they did. But they stayed a little bit behind, a little bit away from the front lines."
...

De Hoop Scheffer was Secretary General of NATO between 2004 and 2009. " ... a coalition of fifty countries and a lot of partners who were fighting on the front lines and losing soldiers. Then you get this," says the former top diplomat.

The former NATO chief wants the US president to apologize to the military personnel and their families.
...

The NATO mission in Afghanistan began after the United States activated Article 5 of the NATO Treaty following the September 11, 2001, attacks.
...

Foreign Minister Van Weel also emphasizes that Trump's statements are inaccurate. "We were there, and for every American, a European was also killed. We keep repeating that message, because this must be countered with facts."

Woede om woorden Trump over NAVO-troepen in Afghanistan: 'Bleven weg van het front'

Onder anderen oud-NAVO-chef De Hoop Scheffer en premier Starmer van het Verenigd Koninkrijk willen dat Trump zijn excuses aanbiedt.

nos.nl

~ in my humble opinion ~​

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

There's been a fair amount of commentary on X over the past 24 hours suggesting that Trump is dying, citing both the very visible decline in his general appearance in the past year and his orange make-up becoming more yellow, suggesting liver or pancreatic failure. IF it's true, it might explain why various matters have suddenly become so urgent for him.

No doubt…by the usual suspects.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

It is heartening to see a few people standing up to Trump at last. A pity they're not Americans.

It’s understandable why non-Americans would be against America first policies.

 

[otto]

Why did the US Government withdraw Canada's invitation to join Mr Trump's world governing peace council? It's likely that the US Government didn't like Canada calling on middle powers to unite and stand together as one unified strong power.

"US President Trump has banned Canada from participating in his Peace Council. In a social media post , Trump revoked Canada's invitation.

He doesn't give a reason, but it likely has something to do with Canadian Prime Minister Carney's well-received speech at the WEF in Davos on Tuesday. In it, Carney said that the world order based on international law has vanished forever thanks to authoritarian leaders. "The strong do what they can, and the weak have to swallow it."

Carney therefore called on mid-sized countries to unite and make a stand, even though they might be inclined to be docile to ensure their own security. "That agreement no longer applies," he warned. Although he didn't mention specific examples, in a week of tensions surrounding Greenland, the speech was interpreted as direct criticism of Trump's foreign policy."

Trump trekt uitnodiging Canada voor Vredesraad in

Premier Carney hield deze week in Davos een goed ontvangen toespraak met nauwelijks verholen kritiek op het buitenlandbeleid van Trump.

nos.nl

 

[otto]

It’s understandable why non-Americans would be against America first policies.

I'm a non-United States resident. I am a Canadian American (Canada has more land mass than the US within North America).

What policies?

Is it policy for the US Government to falsely state that NATO countries have not assisted the US when Article 5 was invoked by the US?

That statement is false, and an apology is necessary for the sake of the US population. Statements that cause the US population to believe that they are victimized by foreign countries is exactly why a portion of the population believes that the US should attack sovereign NATO countries.

Anyone who supports the invasion of Greenland has to have a reason. Stealing land and wealth doesn't sound good, but retaliation because NATO has allegedly never fulfilled responsibilities to the US is a reason.

Facts matter.

 

[LovesPeace2]

Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the EU, and NATO should be wary of every agreement and discussion with the US Government. Repeatedly, we see the US Government cancel invitations, violate agreements (NATO Article 1), and break law (bombed boats in the Pacific Ocean) to subjugate small and middle powers.

Prime Minister Carney gave strong advice to middle powers at Davos. He explained that when middle powers negotiate with major powers one-on-one, they are disadvantaged as they compete against each other for a better trade deal. By uniting, middle powers can push their priorities to the world stage.

When Trump emerged from a meeting with Mark Rutte at Davos, he announced that he struck an infinite deal for Greenland and natural resource wealth. He triggered discussion about whether the US would be granted sovereignty over territory in Greenland even though land ownership does not exist in the country. Rutte did not confirm this.

In my opinion, the US Government says whatever it believes to be necessary to isolate and intimidate small and middle powers for the purpose of exploitation. Mark Carney, an economist with degrees from Harvard and Oxford, can and will hold his ground with the US Government, will stand up for democracy, and will not be intimidated by Trump. The best the US Government can come up with is "you are uninvited to my rule the world party, where the fee is $1 billion dollars."

Canada provided words of wisdom, the US responded with you can't come to my party. It will be far worse for Greenland when the US is not gifted infinite access to Greenland's assets.

"Dear Prime Minister Carney: Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time," Trump wrote in his post.
...

Many rights experts and advocates have previously raised concerns about Trump overseeing a ‍board to supervise a foreign territory's governance.
...

Trump complained that Canada should be "grateful" for the U.S. "I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't so grateful — they should be grateful to the U.S., Canada. Canada lives because of the United States,"

The prime minister argued that the "great powers" — like the U.S. — are using economic integration as "weapons," and argued that negotiating with those countries bilaterally puts middle powers like Canada at disadvantage.

Carney proposed that like-minded middle powers band together to push their priorities on the world stage, even if it's issue by issue.

"Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership. In the economy, in security and in rich cultural exchange. But Canada doesn't live because of the United States," Carney said. "Canada thrives because we are Canadian."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-board-of-peace-canada-uninvited-carney-letter-9.7057437

Article 1​

The Parties undertake, as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, to settle any international dispute in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

The North Atlantic Treaty

The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments. They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on...

www.nato.int

~ in my humble opinion ~​

Hey otto , when Pm Carney came back and had the caucus meeting wasn't it at the citidel in Quebec wasn't that built for the 1812 war. If my memory's correct

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

Hey mods thanks for the delete. "I hope Obama wears his tan suit to the funeral" is absolutely related to this discussion. I don't know if you've noticed, but this whole thread is a commentary of how fall we've fallen in American politics, and this is an apt metaphor.

Maybe you could tag one.

 

[Lebowski]

It’s understandable why non-Americans would be against America first policies.

every president looks out for american interests. the implication that others haven't is strange and dumb.

but, just as most people learn, at an individual level, that going through life saying "ME FIRST GIMME GIMME GET OUTTA MY WAY" tends to alienate others and ultimately costs you more than you gain, most people think compromise, diplomacy, and taking care of established relationships with other countries is the best way to look out for one's own interests in the world. you don't just up and threaten a war of conquest against an old friend because you decided you want their land. not unless you're 8-years-old, or on meth. or both. one of our big geopolitical advantages over russia and china are that we are so much better than they are at making friends. more damage was done to those friendships in the last couple weeks than maybe any other in our country's history.

IMO, trump is often guilty of the zero-sum fallacy. he does not understand than an arrangement can be mutually beneficial. there is a winner and loser. it's that simple! therefore, if someone benefits from their relationship with us, he thinks that must mean we're getting "screwed!" somehow. having allies doesn't make sense to him. that's why he treats them like a burden.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

It seems like we've had wave after wave of health scares (hopes and dreams) since his first term. He survived covid, an assassination attempt (allegedly), and scandal after scandal. I won't get too amped up until it's good and done. Then I'll party in the streets. Anywho, back to Greenland, as a casually interested American I just don't understand this sudden fixation. At first it seemed like he brought it up like some sort of placeholder for future distraction, and now he's using it. So that tells me there's something more significant in the works. Epstein?

bbm
Until what is good and done? I hope it’s not what I think you’re implying.