North Korea’s Nuclear War Intentions
While the Americans are obsessing over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Europeans are dealing with a crisis in confidence over the Euro, and the radical Islamic factions are stepping up their acts of terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, a far greater threat to the world is looming right over the horizon. This is the threat of nuclear war; and it is looking more and more likely to happen on the Korean peninsula in the very near future.
Yesterday, June 14, the United Nations Security Council released the finding of a multinational investigation into the March 26 sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan. The Security Council concluded that the Cheonan was sunk by a North Korean torpedo, and resulted in the killing of 46 sailors. Rather than taking responsibility for a blatant act of military aggression, North Korean officials denied the sinking, and suggested that the Cheonan simply ran aground. In a characteristically militant style, the North Korean ambassador to the UN, Sin Son Ho responded, “If the Security Council releases any document against us, condemning us or questioning us, . . . follow-up measures will be carried out by our military forces”. He went on to suggest that North Korea would retaliate with unprecedented nuclear strikes in retaliation for diplomatic moves, and that the strikes could occur at any moment. It would appear that the “die has been cast”.
Under the dictatorial, communist regime of Kim Jung Il, the North Koreans have become further and further militarized and increasingly isolated from the other nations of the world. While their neighbor to the south, South Korea, has thrived, the North Koreans have suffered from widespread deprivations and mass starvation. There is little doubt any more that Kim Jung Il has the will, even the desire, to pick a fight with the South Koreans, knowing full well that the U.S. military will become involved. Although Kim Jung Il is paranoid and bellicose, he is probably not, however, suicidal. Kim Jung Il’s aggressive behavior is the result of his belief that the Peoples Republic of China will join forces with him against any U.S. involvement.
Clearly, time has long since come and gone for the nations of the world to disarm the North Koreans. It may no longer be possible to stop Kim Jung Il from carrying through with his threats of nuclear war. The American government may soon be forced to decide whether or not to retaliate in kind, knowing the incredible carnage that would ultimately ensue. President Obama may soon be facing the greatest decision of his life and his young presidency. One thing for sure; it will make the repercussions of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill fade quickly into insignificance.
Rich
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Kim Jung Il is like a little kid jumping up and down demanding attention, he plays a game of blackmail and suscessfully gets relief aid. It works so he will continue with his game. The U.S. responding with a nuclear response would be a mistake. Like Bin Ladin these despots are hoping we play into their hands with an over reactionary action which will gain us only condemnation and as Bin Ladin suceeded in doing leading us down the path of financial ruination through wars we cannot afford. I would hope the American public can see this after the Bush/Cheney fiasco.
Yes, Obama has far more to worry about than the BP disaster, he will be grey soon. North Korea is a tough call, it is like a tantrum throwing kid standing there with a hand grenade, what do you do?
Kevin,
As long as Kim Jung Il refrains from aggression, and just continues saber rattling, no other country will attack first. The problem is that Kim has threatened to strike first, using nukes, if he is criticized by the Security Council. If he does strike first, will the U.S. military retaliate in kind? This is a little different then Bin Laden and al Qaeda; North Korea has a million-man army!
We, as a country, have gotten in so far over our heads in the last several years that it is frightening to me to think what might happen next. These are not things that a head of state should be multi-tasking on, and I wonder if Obama is ever sorry that he signed on for the job.
Judie,
The U.S. cannot continue to be the “policeman” of the world. Regional problems, such as North Korea and Iraq and Afghanistan should be handled by the powers within the region. Unfortunately, I think we will be drawn into the Korean conflict when North Korea launches an attack.
I’ve asked myself the same question about Obama. He must be scratching his head about now, and wondering what he was thinking when he took on the presidency. In many ways it’s a thankless job.
I think it is only a matter of time before the N Korea situation escalates beyond control. When that happens, I hope the UK does not get drawn-into another conflict that we cannot afford.