The Trump Thread

[EricHiggin]

Qwark said:

EricHiggin said:

I don't disagree, if the USA didn't conduct themselves decently at first, like by making a widely acceptable offer.

But what do you think is going to happen to the EU if it tells the USA to take a hike for taking Greenland? The USA will do exactly that, where it can, especially when it comes to EU defense, and then what? You think Putin and others are going to just sit back and let the EU remain as is, in peace?

I don't think the EU would be foolish enough to react that way at this time, and I think they'd be more than smart enough to realize Canada was next on the chopping block. Not that Canada is part of the EU, but it would be another lost ally, soon enough.

Europe is not as strong as most would want and can't project power we'll far beyond their borders. But Europe is not as weak as US thinks. Sure European countries are weak compared to US. Besides after US takes Danish soil they are more of a liability than an asset to have in Europe. Maybe they want Netherlands next for ASML.

Military wise Europe still has around 2.000.000 active troops and after the US by far the most advanced military gear. Lately France exports more weapons than Russia, so Industrial weapon capacity is not as bad as some think. Europe lacks in strategic long range weapons, but Sint Petersburg and Moscow are not that far from Finland, so in a defensive war with Russia that's not as much of a downside than other conflicts. When waging war with China that is another story.

After Ukraine Russia couldn't invade Europe if it wanted too, or it could say goodbye to it's second largest city. They struggle a lot in Ukraine at this moment with little support, mostly the military support is outdated equipment. The best Russia could do is maybe take the Baltics, at the direct cost of Kalingrad and Sint Petersburg. Nukes are out of the question because French and British forces can throw them as well.

Putin is already conducting hybrid warfare against EU and US is fine with that. US would lose a lot of strategic power if they lose European bases. They also lose access to the artic via Iceland, Finland and Norway. Also US lacks the ice cutters to dominate that area and Finland is building them.

Canada is defenceless against US, if US wants it nobody could stop them.

I wasn't saying the EU is totally screwed without the USA. The EU would need to beef up their military further and be prepared to fight more because Putin/Russia and others are no doubt going to plan to aim at the EU in the future in a world where America isn't heavily allied with them anymore.

I also wouldn't assume Putin would try some all out war with the EU. He/Russia, with the help of others, very well might keep chipping away at the Eastern portion of the EU if America (and Canada) isn't there to back them up.

And ya, if the USA really wants Canada it won't be much of a fight, especially if they have Greenland. Their navy could easily blockade all coming and going ship traffic which would put us in a considerable bind. Then all they have to do is blockade the land border and that's that. Easier said than done since we trade so much with them, but still totally doable if they're willing to do what's necessary to achieve that goal.