Iceland is likely to take on a greater strategic role as the United States increases its focus on the Arctic, according to international affairs analyst Albert Jónsson.
Speaking to Sýn television news, Albert said Iceland’s close alliance with the US and its position in the North Atlantic made the country an important route into the Arctic region.
What’s the Story?
Original source: Vísir
- Iceland’s strategic importance could increase as Arctic security becomes a greater priority.
- NATO members have agreed that Europe and Canada should carry more responsibility for collective defence.
- Greenland hosts a key US military base monitoring potential missile threats.
Shifting security priorities
“The United States is the only NATO country that will be able to make itself count in the Arctic in a way that really matters,” Albert said. “Iceland is a close ally of the United States.”
He said Iceland would increasingly feel the effects of that role as NATO adapts to a global strategic shift towards Asia and the Pacific.
Albert described the latest NATO summit as successful in restoring unity and reaffirming the alliance’s core commitments. He said the summit declaration was particularly significant because European countries and Canada had agreed to assume greater responsibility for the defence of Europe and the alliance.
Turning to Greenland, Albert highlighted the importance of the US military base at Pituffik, formerly known as Thule. Its radar systems monitor across the Arctic towards Russia and are intended to provide warning of a possible missile attack on North America.
The US now wants to strengthen air defences in Greenland and is discussing the issue with Greenlandic and Danish authorities, Albert said.
He added that US President Donald Trump had shifted from earlier threats involving possible force towards discussing the purchase of Greenland. Albert suggested Trump may be seeking a territorial legacy comparable to past US expansion.
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