THE LAST WORD ON GREENLAND: NATO Froze Over.

In one stroke, the agreement solves the U.S.’s two biggest Greenland problems: the deal stands even if Greenland ever becomes independent, and it reportedly gives U.S. veto power over Chinese or Russian involvement in the island’s affairs. To the Times, this is a dismal failure: “the agreement fell well short of Mr. Trump’s longstanding demand of total control over Greenland.”

He got the bases, the ban, the veto, and forever, and the Times marked him down for not also getting the gift shop or inheriting Greenland’s welfare state.

But in the very same story, the Times also reported that the announced terms include: a larger U.S. military presence and a build permit; a ban on non-NATO bases or military presence; full flyover rights; continued effect after a future Greenlandic independence; and a U.S. approval right over sensitive Russian or Chinese investments.

As I have explained before at painful length, Trump’s public demands to buy Greenland were a negotiating anchor. Under the announced deal, Denmark “wins” by keeping sovereignty while simultaneously giving the U.S. everything we need. Without having to “buy” anything. It was a masterstroke of negotiation.

Denmark still holds the deed to Greenland, but the US now holds the key — in perpetuity.