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European countries issue joint statement on Donald Trump’s Greenland tariffs as leaders mull counter-measures

Starmer joins European allies warning of ‘dangerous downward spiral’ in Nato after Trump’s ‘gangster’ threat of trade war unless he gets Greenland

So read two headlines of articles in which the defiant reaction of national leaders to Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on those not supporting his aim of taking over Greenland was set forth!

President Trump has repeatedly said Greenland is vital to US security due to its strategic location and large mineral deposits, and has not ruled out using force to take it.

A QUESTION COMES TO MIND :—

What is the difference in Donald Trump’s justification for his demands to take over Greenland, by force if necessary and Adolf Hitler’s justification for invading and  subjugating his neighbours — Lebensraum (‘Living Space’) — which he claimed would safeguard the life and wellbeing of his Germany?

Hitler’s evil delusions led to World War II and the death, deprivation and misery of countless millions, including 5.3 to 5.5 million military personnel and over 2 million civilians of his own nation!

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
19th January 2026

‘Do thyself no harm’

A message preached at the 30th anniversary of Malvern Free Presbyterian Church, 17th May 2009.

On Friday 16th January, I read Acts 16, marvelling afresh at the wonderful record of the advance of the Gospel into Europe. Two women, one on each side of the great spiritual divide, played a major part in the visit of the God’s servants to Philippi. Lydia, a most courageous, godly woman, verses 14-15.  And then there was the “certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination”, verse 16.

For every faithful soul who desires to advance the Gospel cause there is a counterpart, who does all to hinder the Gospel by subtly and craft or by physical and cruel opposition.

What a wonderful drama unfolded way back then in Philippi!

May you find comfort and blessing in this seventeen year old message.

(The ‘John’ I refer to in my introductory remarks, was most likely the former minister of Malvern, Rev John Greer.)

Rev. Ivan Foster (Rtd)
Sabbath Day, 18th January 2026