US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently announced a new diplomatic push against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, his visit was overshadowed by a separate trip from US Second Lady Usha Vance to Greenland.
Vance claimed the trip was aimed at countering Russian influence in the Arctic region. Nevertheless, her actions have sparked controversy, with critics labeling them as insensitive and arrogant.
Despite efforts by US staff to arrange photo opportunities with local residents, Vance faced significant resistance, with some even giving her a “hard pass.” The Greenlandic people’s reluctance to engage with her was seen as a powerful rebuke to the US visit.
The backlash highlights a wider disconnect between Washington’s diplomatic rhetoric and its actions. While the US maintains a tough stance on Russia, it has also been criticized for its own relationships with other countries, including those in the region.
Source: https://tucson.com/opinion/letters/article_883637e4-1f00-4e5b-bd62-3e938d5e6f50.html