North Korea Nuclear Standoff

[cycloneye]

President Bush Talks about North Korea



Above is what President Bush said this morning about this NK situation.

[kevin]

The military option is exceedingly dangerous but not as dangerous as a North Korea with a nuclear weapon that can be deployed against Tokyo. Our security obligations in the region are strong, and if we show weakness then the Japanese will develop nuclear weapons regardless of what they say now, and so will the South Koreans. The Chinese will respond by modernizing their armaments. The Taiwanese will find their trust in US protectorship weakened and seek a nuclear defense.

The missile shield program is from a technical sense very hard to achieve. There is an enormous computational program in finding the missile, finding its trajectory, and then coordinating with defense systems to knock that missile down. One of the hardest things computationally is for a computer to intelligently analyze any picture. It is probably possible in a technical sense, but would take enormous amounts of money. If the Japanese wish to join as fair partners in such a missile defense system it might be a smart thing to proceed with.

But it will cause an increase in the offensive capabilities of Chinese and Russian missile systems. There is an old rule of modern war, which is demonstrated from the Maginot Line forward that static defense tends to fail catastrophically. The Chinese and Russian states will not probably go for the expensive task of developing missile defense, but focus more on innovation in missile and deployment technologies. Our system will be massive and open for all eyes to see, whereas theirs can be probably hidden. As we realize new dangers, it will be the natural tendency for the military to ask congress for more defensive funding. The Chinese and Russians seeing a more robust defense may become convinced that it for them. This would be the wrong message to send.

So while a missile defense is a short term solution it may create unintended consequences in the form of arms-race and suspicion.

Our best bet remains strangling the regime economically and stopping ships from transporting to them things of economic value. There is a danger of war from this, but our box is stronger than the North Korean capability to receive supplies from conquest. They will either capitulate to our terms or face the internal disintegration of their regime. It will accompany massive suffering by the North Koreans. Possibly tens of thousands will die even without war if North Korea hangs on to these technologies.

[cycloneye]

China does about face on sanctions

China turns around about the sanctions for North Korea after saying a few days ago that it would favor them.The question is what implications this new China position will have in the U.N.Read about this latest news at hypertext link above.

[angelwing]

CNN Breaking News TEXTBREAKINGNE.
More options 7:23 pm (25 minutes ago)

-- The United States now has preliminary evidence of radioactivity from North Korea's nuclear test ground, indicating it did indeed carry out a test, a U.S. official tells CNN.

[Brent]

U.N. approves resolution on N. Korea sanctions
Security Council agrees on punishment for nation's claimed nuclear test

BREAKING NEWS
Updated: less than 1 minute ago

UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council voted Saturday to impose financial and arms sanctions on North Korea to punish the reclusive Communist nation for its nuclear weapon test.

The vote was 15-0.

The U.S.-drafted resolution allows nations to stop cargo going to and from North Korea to check for weapons of mass destruction or related supplies. But the measure specifically excludes military force.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15246082/

[Lindaloo]

You know, this is so dang sad that the people have to suffer because of this Nazi Regime. When we start sanctions, that dictator will not suffer, I promise you that. His military will not either, just the civilians.

[Bella]

Hi, all. Typically, I don't like to get involved in political debate...but I do have a couple of questions.....

1. Why is this not at the top of the page? This is probably the most important story that we need to follow. And not just in the US, but world-wide...and,

2. Do any of you seriously have any faith in the UN???? From what I have seen, they have absolutely no backbone to enforce their decisions, but instead, rely on the US to carry them out without them getting their hands dirty.

These questions are not meant to be inflammatory, but I more than welcome debate and education on such matters (if appropriate).

Thanks.

Bella

[kevin]

Hi, all. Typically, I don't like to get involved in political debate...but I do have a couple of questions.....

1. Why is this not at the top of the page? This is probably the most important story that we need to follow. And not just in the US, but world-wide...and,

2. Do any of you seriously have any faith in the UN???? From what I have seen, they have absolutely no backbone to enforce their decisions, but instead, rely on the US to carry them out without them getting their hands dirty.

These questions are not meant to be inflammatory, but I more than welcome debate and education on such matters (if appropriate).

Thanks.

Bella

1. This board is strictly antipolitical so it just isn't that much of a concern. There cannot be any debate regarding policy decisions or criticizing/discussion of the US administration stance. That's just the way it goes here.

2. The United Nations is nothing besides an administrative association of states. Has no power beyond the mandate of its states and especially the security council.

[Cryomaniac]

1. This board is strictly antipolitical so it just isn't that much of a concern. There cannot be any debate regarding policy decisions or criticizing/discussion of the US administration stance. That's just the way it goes here.

By that logic we shouldn't be able to praise them either, not that we'd want to

[kevin]

Oh praising is just find.

Bush is the best president since Andrew Johnson. See?

[Lindaloo]

1. This board is strictly antipolitical so it just isn't that much of a concern. There cannot be any debate regarding policy decisions or criticizing/discussion of the US administration stance. That's just the way it goes here.

By that logic we shouldn't be able to praise them either, not that we'd want to

Did anyone ask ya too? Um no.

[HURAKAN]

Democracy most be preserved at all cost. Questioning every motion the government makes is nothing more than our duty as American citizens. After all, everyone in Washington D.C, from the White House to the Capitol is in our service. We elect them to represent our decisions and needs. If we start letting the government do whatever it wants, then why do we need a Republic* as our type of government? It's better to have a dictatorial state in which you don't have to worry about voting or making any kind of decisions. It's unacceptible to just believe that the government is doing the best for us, they have to prove it, (ex. State of the Union), and answer all the questions we have. Believe me, if everyone starts questioning the government, the United States will become even a better country.

* = Republic is a type of government in which the people elect representatives to represent them. Example, the United States of America. It's a type of non-direct democracy. After all, democracy means "people rule."

[feederband]

U.S Now confirms..

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,221182,00.html

[feederband]

Even though it was less than a kiloton I was hoping that NK was lieing and it was just a bunch of conventional weapons they blew up...Not Good.........

[HURAKAN]

Based on how North Korea was created, it should not be a surprise to anyone that this is occuring. After WWII, the US and the old USSR decided to divide the peninsula into North Korea (communist) and South Korea (democratic?????). I think this was done to avoid a war between the super powers, the US and the old USSR. Then North Korea invades South Korea in an attempt to reunite the peninsula under the communist government, but it did not succeed.

The US and the World allowed North Korea to be created without any concent from the Korean people. Now we must face the consequences of the monster that was allowed to develop. Like in a Russian rulette, you may be avoid the problems for some time but they will come back to haunt you.

[Brent]

The United States has detected fresh signs that North Korea may be preparing for a second nuclear test, according to U.S. media reports Monday.

U.S spy satellites have detected "suspicious vehicle movements" that could be preparations for another test near the site where North Korea conducted its first underground nuclear explosion test on Oct. 9, ABC News said, quoting unidentified U.S. officials.

NBC News also reported unidentified U.S. officials as saying U.S. spy satellites are picking up signs of truck and people movements.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/16/D8KQ1QLO2.html

[kevin]

Based on how North Korea was created, it should not be a surprise to anyone that this is occuring. After WWII, the US and the old USSR decided to divide the peninsula into North Korea (communist) and South Korea (democratic?????). I think this was done to avoid a war between the super powers, the US and the old USSR. Then North Korea invades South Korea in an attempt to reunite the peninsula under the communist government, but it did not succeed.

The US and the World allowed North Korea to be created without any concent from the Korean people. Now we must face the consequences of the monster that was allowed to develop. Like in a Russian rulette, you may be avoid the problems for some time but they will come back to haunt you.

Just a few comments.

1. South Korea was not democratic back then and after the Korean War.
2. We tried to get rid of North Korea but were pushed back by the Chinese and came close to a long terrible war.

Consequently, it is a good thing we are in this situation today, because if the Korean war had expanded to include China, the world would be much different and probably for the worst.

[feederband]

Maybe another test soon?

NK saying sanctions act of war..



http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,221478,00.html

[Aquawind]

Being the test was seen as a failure they probably want to prove they actually can have a succesful bomb and ASAP sounds logical. Money for testing will become an issue for them per the sanctions..at least we are hoping. I wonder if they will tell China how big the expected explosion will be..probably not this time..

[Bella]

I've been reading all the news sites and can't find out if they have any indication as to how soon this will take place. Has anyone read anything, or do you remember from the last time how long it took from the "activity" to the actual test?

Thanks.