Dr Will Jones: The US “Needs Greenland”, Says Trump

Donald Trump has set his sights on a US takeover of Greenland after capturing Nicolas Maduro and saying he would run Venezuela, telling reporters: “We do need Greenland, absolutely.” The Telegraph has more.

DTNZ: Trump says Greenland is ‘vital’ to U.S. national security interests

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his renewed push for control over Greenland, arguing the Arctic island is essential to America’s national security following the appointment of a special US envoy to the territory.

Trump said Greenland’s strategic position makes it critical as Russian and Chinese vessels increasingly operate in the region, insisting the US “has to have it” for security reasons.

Bonner Cohen: Trump means business on Greenland

Rather than dismissing Donald Trump’s pre-inaugural musings about the importance of the United States acquiring Greenland as typical Trumpian bluster, people — friend and foe — should take the man seriously. Changes are on their way in the Arctic North Atlantic.

Greenland — two and one-half the size of Texas — is strategic in terms of its location and its natural resources. It is coveted by China and Russia, and Trump is wise to recognize the geopolitical implications of allowing the giant island to fall into unfriendly hands.

DTNZ: Greenland wants independence – PM

The Greenlandic people do not want to be either Danish or American, Prime Minister Mute Egede has said.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede has reiterated the island’s ambition to gain independence from Denmark, stating that the Greenlandic people do not want to be either Danish or American.

Mark Angelides: What Everyone Misses on Trump’s Greenland Gambit

It’s not quite the renegade move many think it is.

Donald Trump wants Greenland to be part of the United States of America. This statement has been met with equal measures of disdain and excitement among the political classes. From accusations of expansionism to absolute certainty that it is the only way to adequately defend the homeland, this is a divisive issue. The overarching sentiment, however, is that it is either just Trumpian bluster or an impossible task. But that ignores the very real defense implications and the history of American presidents expanding the area under their purview.

Brendan O'Neill: It isn’t free speech that causes violence – it’s censorship

Denmark’s ban on burning the Koran will embolden some of the most regressive elements in Europe.

So it is now against the law in Denmark to treat the Koran ‘improperly’. Anyone who inflicts ‘inappropriate treatment’ on a copy of Islam’s holy book – whether by stomping on it, ripping it to shreds or setting it on fire – could be fined or even jailed for two years. This is a travesty for liberty. It is a stain on the good name of Scandinavia. Denmark joins Iran, Afghanistan and other theocratic tyrannies as a nation where you might be made to rot in a cell simply for insulting a religion.

Oliver Hartwich: For richer or poorer - Kiwis really need to get out more

In New Zealand’s public policy circles these days, you cannot escape the buzz about Ireland. Whether in the corridors of power, at business gatherings, or even casual coffee catch-ups, Ireland is the talk of the town.

That may seem strange. It is not St Patrick’s Day, and the Rugby World Cup has not kicked off yet. But the reason is a recent business delegation visit to the Emerald Isle – a trip our organisation, The New Zealand Initiative, organised.

Sir Bob Jones: Sanity dawns

On this site in March, 2020 when the coronavirus panic began, I predicted that when it’s all done and dusted, Sweden’s “live with it” approach will have proven the correct path to adopt. It’s not yet totally “done and dusted” globally but the developed world will reach that stage sometime this year.

Meanwhile, increasingly liberal societies have woken to the realities and are adopting the Swedish model, mindful that with widespread vaccinations, restraints are now irrational.

Of course, vaccinations regardless, there are still freakishly rare fatality exceptions, but closing down society at a massive social and economic cost, the consequences of which will be a huge economic upheaval ahead, to prevent “freakish” contingencies, is simply insanity.