When I see North Korea launch a major artillery attack on South Korea with a building pattern of aggression, my first thought is what the hell are they thinking? They can't possibly want to re-ignite the Korean war, which is technically still a war (cease fire, no peace agreement). Yet at the same time the leadership there is borderline insane, and I doubt it would take more than a puppet show to convince them that they could win another major conflict against an Asian Tiger (supported militarily by the USA).
It would seem that the most likely scenario is that North Korea is using a show of force in an attempt to scare the international community into a better extortion deal. The question is, how much more should South Korea be expected to endure in order to secure a "golden parachute" for Kim Jong Ill?
What's China saying? Only Beijing has sway over Pyongyang.
Believe in a CNN story, China was disturbed and was working to check facts of the incident from reports on both sides.
ReplyDelete"We have taken note of relevant reports and express our concern. Relevant facts need to be verified and we hope both parties make more contributions to the stability of the peninsula," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.
See the movie, "The Mouse That Roared". It's about a bankrupt nation that declares war against the US so that after they get defeated, the US will rebuild their country.
ReplyDeleteYes, it looks like Kim is testing the mettle of the new American administration.
ReplyDeleteHere is where Obama has to show his "steel" side,as opposed to his usual "soft diplomacy" side,the whole world is watching.Mr.President.
Kim is certifiably insane,but he's not stupid,he knows damned well they can't win a war. As Bert said, "The Mouse that Roared" comes to mind.
DMorris
There is a way to resolve this problem in a matter of 24 hours.
ReplyDeletePick a target, any target inside of NK that has a symbolic value to dear leader. In the middle of the night launch the stealth bombers and flatten it, then say nothing.