Hillary warns North Korea

[jbm32206]

North Korea remains a country that indeed, posses a threat, and needs to be watched closely....and clearly they are....
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday warned North Korea that firing a missile for any purpose would be a "provocative act" that would have consequences.

North Korea is loading a rocket on a launch pad in anticipation of the launch of a communications satellite between April 4 and 8, U.S. counterproliferation and intelligence officials said. North Korea announced its intention to launch the satellite in February, but regional powers worry the claim is a cover for the launch of a long-range missile capable of reaching Alaska.

Clinton told reporters during a visit to Mexico City that the U.S. believes the North Korean plan to fire a missile for any purpose would violate a U.N. Security Council resolution barring the country from ballistic activity. She linked a missile launch to the future of talks between the U.S., North Korea and four other nations aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

"We have made it very clear that the North Koreans pursue this pathway at a cost and with consequences to the six-party talks, which we would like to see revived," Clinton said. "We intend to raise this violation of the Security Council resolution, if it goes forward, in the U.N.," she said. "This provocative action in violation of the U.N. mandate will not go unnoticed and there will be consequences."

National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said earlier this month that all indications suggest North Korea will in fact launch a satellite. However, North Korea faked a satellite launch in 1998 to cloak a missile development test. "If North Korea launches rocket, certain countermeasures are unavoidable," he said. He refused to elaborate, saying the measures, including any sanctions, would be discussed among U.N. Security Council member nations.

It probably won't be clear if the latest launch is a satellite or a missile test until footage can be analyzed after the event; the trajectory of a missile is markedly different from that of a satellite. Analysts have been watching for signs of a satellite or missile on the launch pad in Musudan-ni, the northeast coastal launch site. Satellite imagery from March 16 showed progress toward mounting a rocket, with a crane hovering over the launch pad, said Christian LeMiere, an editor at Jane's Intelligence Review in London.For the full article as printed on CBS3 (http://cbs3.com/topstories/north.korea.missile.2.967935.html)

[Claude91098]

The world, and the USA, have not "cracked the code" on how to deal with NK yet.

They like to saber rattle to get what they want and "save face" at the same time. It's a cultural thing. It's not much different than dealing with Islam...it's more a cultural thing than a religious thing.

Countries that do not want to assimilate to the rest of the world's code of conduct should be isolated until they change their ways. It's the 21st century and far too many in this world still cling to the ways of the pre-industrialized world. IMHO.

[jbm32206]

Clearly North Korea still plans to move ahead with this rocket...it's going to be interesting to see what steps, if any, the UN or anyone else takes to stop it.
Admiral Mike Mullen said Friday that a rocket North Korea plans to launch next month has a range that could possibly reach Hawaii. The top U.S. military officer said that while the rocket did not have a range that could reach the western coast of the U.S. mainland, it could get to Hawaii.

Meanwhile, South Korea, the United States and Japan warned that North Korea's planned rocket launch would violate a U.N. resolution and said they would take the issue to the Security Council if the North goes ahead with it, a news report said Saturday.

North Korea says it will send a communications satellite into orbit between April 4 and 8 as part of a peaceful bid to develop its space program. Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korean newspaper in Tokyo, acknowledged that rocket technology could be used for military purposes but said the North was pushing ahead with its peaceful use as part of an economic development project.

But some governments suspect the North will use the launch to test technology for a long-range missile capable of striking Alaska. They have denounced the launch as a provocative move banned under a 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution prohibiting ballistic activity by North Korea, and have warned it would invite international sanctions.

"We will immediately discuss the matter at the U.N. Security Council," Japanese nuclear envoy Akitaka Saiki told reporters after talks with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts in Washington, according to Japan's Kyodo news agency.For the full article on foxnews (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511215,00.html)

[Claude91098]

According to the paper this morning, NK claims to be launching a satellite.
Japan is preparing for an "accident" scenario in the event the first or second stage sections are falling towards their territory. Japan has made it clear thet they are NOT preparing for a "counter-attack" but rather an accident.

NK could, in fact, just be sending a satellite into orbit. I don't think anyone can positively disprove that.
HOWEVR, given NK's track record and saber rattling, it "probably is" a test of a long range missile "disguised" as a satellite launch.

Until a satellite IS or IS NOT put into orbit, no one will be able to know the intent.

Afterall, NK has a right to put a satellite into orbit as much as any other country. No one "owns" obital space. No has to "like" NK to acknowledge they have equal access to space. Having said that, I, for one, do not believe for a second this ia a "legitimate" satellite launch. I'll wager it "self-destructs" because of "technical" problems, (by NK), before any satellite can be placed into orbit...(because there wouldn't have been a satellite in the first place!)

[GatorChomp85]

NKorea said one thing and did another as many times as they chose to during the Clinton administration. Now that it's essentially the same folks running things and they are dealing with another Clinton why would they not do what they want knowing they can get away with it.

[Jose Gaspar]

NKorea said one thing and did another as many times as they chose to during the Clinton administration. Now that it's essentially the same folks running things and they are dealing with another Clinton why would they not do what they want knowing they can get away with it.

And what would you propose we do GC? The failure of Clinton AND Bush to engage this in a timely manner has left an untenable situation.

[Claude91098]

And what would you propose we do GC? The failure of Clinton AND Bush to engage this in a timely manner has left an untenable situation.

I do not believe there is anything "untenable" about NKorea Jose.
NK is a piss ant country with the pride of a great elephant. They have some dangerous technology now and they like to rattle it around so they can get what they want without appearing weak or asking for "charity", which IS unthinkable in their culture. Japan in years past was, (and some still are), just as bad about the "honor thing" and "saving face".

The situation with NKorea can be solved by simply giving them a way to "save face" while gaining some of the world's help that they so desparately need but are to proud to ask for.
They would rather die, and take many with them, than lose face & honor.

[jbm32206]

If that's the case, then I don't see where the situation could have a peaceful solution

[jbm32206]

I see the Navy is setting up to watch this closely...
The U.S. deployed two missile-interceptor ships from South Korea on Monday, days ahead of a North Korean rocket launch seen by many as a test of its longest-range missile.

The two U.S. destroyers were on a mission believed to monitor the North's rocket launch. The ships are equipped with Aegis radar, a system that enables the vessels to locate, track and shoot down missiles.

U.S. military spokesman Kim Yong-kyu said the ships would depart from the South Korean port of Busan, but declined to give details. South Korea also plans to dispatch an Aegis-equipped destroyer off the east coast to monitor the launch.

In addition to the long-range rocket, North Korea is preparing to launch a short- or medium-range missile, a Japanese newspaper reported Sunday.For the full story (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511376,00.html) on foxnews

http://www.foxnews.com/images/523814/2_67_b320.jpg
Mar. 30: U.S. Navy's Aegis destroyer USS John S. McCain leaves a naval port in Busan, South Korea.

[Diane Melendez]

North Korea has their rocket on the launch pad and Secretary of State Clinton has made it clear that if they attempt to launch that rocket there will consequences.

[jbm32206]

Things are heating up...this is certainly something to watch closely.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea accused the United States of spying on the site of an impending rocket launch and threatened Wednesday to shoot down any U.S. planes that intrude into its airspace.

North Korea says it will send a communications satellite into orbit on a multistage rocket between April 4 and 8. The U.S., South Korea and Japan think the reclusive country is using the launch to test long-range missile technology, and they warn Pyongyang would face sanctions under a U.N. Security Council resolution banning the country from ballistic activity.

Pyongyang's state radio accused U.S. RC-135 surveillance aircraft of spying on the launch site on its northeast coast, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry, which is in charge of monitoring the North. "If the brigandish U.S. imperialists dare to infiltrate spy planes into our airspace to interfere with our peaceful satellite launch preparations, our revolutionary armed forces will mercilessly shoot them down," the ministry quoted the radio as saying.

It was unclear what capability the North Korea has to shoot down the high-flying Boeing RC-135, which can reach altitudes of nearly 10 miles (15 kilometers) high. The threat came a day after the North claimed the U.S. and South Korea conducted about 190 spy flights over its territory in March, including over the sea off the launch site.

The U.S. military in South Korea declined to comment on the spying allegations or the North's threat. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said at a summit Tuesday with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in London that Pyongyang's launch would breach the U.N. resolution and pledged to respond in step with Seoul, Lee's office said. Lee, in London for the G-20 summit, told Brown it is important for the international community to show a concerted response to the North's move, his office said. Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso also urged united action.

In the Netherlands, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton warned the North would face "consequences" in the Security Council in the event of a launch. She also strongly backed Japan's plans to shoot down any incoming North Korean rocket debris, saying the country "has every right to protect and defend its territory from what is clearly a missile launch."

Japan has deployed battleships and Patriot missile interceptors off its northern coast to shoot down any wayward rocket parts that the North has said might fall over the area. Tokyo has said it is only protecting its territory and has no intention of trying to shoot down the rocket itself, but North Korea said it is not convinced and accused Japan of inciting militarism at home to justify developing a nuclear weapons program of its own.

If Japan tries to intercept the satellite, the North's army "will consider this as the start of Japan's war of re-invasion ... and mercilessly destroy all its interceptor means and citadels with the most powerful military means," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday.for the full article (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511965,00.html) on foxnews

[jbm32206]

It's heating up, as are the threats....
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea's military on Thursday threatened immediate retaliation if "even the slightest effort" is made to intercept a rocket that it plans to launch in the next few days.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency quoted the military as specifically mentioning Japan, the United States and South Korea. It threatened Japan with a "thunderbolt of fire" if it interfered with the launch.

KCNA also made a veiled threat against the U.S. In an apparent reference to American warships that have reportedly set sail to monitor the launch, the Korean-language version of the report said: "The United States should immediately withdraw armed forces deployed if it does not want to receive damage."

South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted unidentified officials as saying the North had moved a squadron of MiG-23 fighter jets to a base near the launch site in what appeared to be a response to Japan's deployment. Seoul's Defense Ministry declined to confirm the reports. For the full article (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,512138,00.html) on foxnews

[Claude91098]

As far as the Mig's are concerned: I remember when Kadafi pulled the same stunt...I WAS THERE! The Migs shot at our F-14's and missed. We fired back...didn't miss...end of threat.
Kadafi capitulated and it was over.

The Migs aren't a real concern. Our US Navy fighter pilots will enjoy the live target practice.

As for missiles, even nukes from NK? Not a chance IMHO, NK knows that WE have small tactical nukes that can end the regime in a matter of minutes with little effect to surrounding countries or the world in general. I don't think the NK's will commit suicide, not just yet anyway.

It's more saber rattling, IMHO.

[Uh Duh]

The North Korean response would be with its ground forces. They have the 4th largest military in the world, 1.2 million soldiers. They have reserves of 4.5 million. They could be in Seoul in days, if not hours. Seoul is about 25 miles from the DMZ. The economic impact of an attack would cripple South Korea. The cost in lives could well be in the millions. The North has hundreds of short range missiles within range of the South's capital. These are the missiles which pose a clear and present danger. Ultimately North Korea would lose, but the price of victory will be terrible. The leadership of North Korea doesn't care. They are pathological.
That is what I think their response will be when the rocket is shot down.

[jbm32206]

Exactly, it's not so much what they can try to do against us, militarily....it's the south and other countries....

[jbm32206]

Well, they thumbed their nose at the world and launched the rocket...
SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea fired a rocket over Japan on Sunday, defying Washington, Tokyo and other world leaders who suspect the launch was cover for a test of its long-range missile technology. President Barack Obama warned the move would further isolate the communist nation.

Liftoff took place at 11:30 a.m. (6:30 p.m. ET) from the coastal Musudan-ri launch pad in northeastern North Korea, the South Korean and U.S. governments said. The multistage rocket hurtled toward the Pacific, reaching Japanese airspace within seven minutes, but no debris appeared to hit its territory, officials in Tokyo said.

The U.N. Security Council approved an emergency session for Sunday afternoon in New York, following a request from Japan that came just minutes after the launch.

Bold act of defiance
Sunday's move was a bold act of defiance against President Barack Obama, Japanese leader Taro Aso, Hu Jintao of China and others who pressed Pyongyang in the days leading up to liftoff to call off a launch they said would threaten peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

"I urge North Korea to abide fully by the resolutions of the U.N. Security Council," Obama said in Prague, Czech Republic, calling on Pyongyang to refrain from further "provocative" actions. But China, Pyongyang's biggest source of economic aid and diplomatic support, urged all sides to maintain calm and exercise restraint. It offered to play a "constructive role," though some fear it could block a unified response to the launch at the Security Council.

North Korea claims its aim is to send an experimental "Kwangmyongsong-2" communications satellite into orbit in a peaceful bid to develop its space program. The U.S., South Korea, Japan and others suspect the launch is a guise for testing the regime's long-range missile technology — one step toward eventually mounting a nuclear weapon on a missile capable of reaching Alaska and beyond. They contend the launch violates a U.N. Security Council resolution barring the regime from ballistic missile activity, part of efforts to force North Korea to shelve its nuclear program and halt long-range missile tests.

State Department spokesman Fred Lash called the launch a clear violation of Resolution 1718, adopted five days after North Korea carried out a nuclear weapons test in 2006. The U.S. will "take appropriate steps to let North Korea know that it cannot threaten the safety and security of other countries with impunity," he said late Saturday in Washington.For the full story on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30035197/)

[Claude91098]

They launched, WWIII didn't break out and we all awoke to the same world this morning.

The US and Japan BOTH issued statements that NO SATELLITE was detected going into orbit. If they can track all of that space junk, some things as small as a nut or bolt, they can damned well SEE a satellite!

Yes, NKorea WAS testing a long range ballistic missile system, no doubt.

What happens next will be up to the US since none of the other countries have the gonads to actually DO anything except pass resolutions in the UN, which we ALL know are a joke and completely ignored! (Et al Iraq)

[jbm32206]

If they didn't detect a satellite, then NK didn't send one up...

[Dog Walker]

UD is right. The real threat is another conventional war on the Korean peninsula. Kim's father was a nut, but at least knew reality. Kim Jr. has never had contact with reality in his life and thinks he is a god on earth. He doesn't care if his people die and probably believes his own bluster.

Let's hope that the Chinese are quietly talking to some of his generals. "Oh, the Dear Leader has decided to retire to a quiet place and has left us in charge."

[Diane Melendez]

You are right DW. Kim Jr. is insane and dangerous. He is also a liar. This is just so much bluster. The situation will give the world and Americans the chance to see how ineffective the United Nations is in it's response and we must give them the chance to react and do something. I am not expecting much from them, but the U.S.A. has to sit back right now and let the process work. Perhaps in time the world will see that the UN is not worth much. IMO

[Claude91098]

Perhaps in time the world will see that the UN is not worth much. IMO

I've been saying that for a few decades now!

[Charles Hunter]

Yup, in response to the missile launch, we will issue a Strongly Worded Statement. If they do it again, we will really let them have it ... with a More Strongly Worded Statement.

[jbm32206]

we're still waiting to see what the UN comes up with....as if it'll be anything of substance. In reality though....it's not cause for military action, not yet anyway

[Diane Melendez]

My guess is that the dance of words will continue until the world community finally realizes that the UN is not capable of controlling the worlds nut jobs and political agendas. It looks all civilized on the surface, but everyone there has an agenda which is more about them then it is about the world.

[Ernest Street]

This has been Interesting. I don't trust NK at all. The Taepodong-2 is made up of a Russian R-27 Long range missile for the first stage.The second is a rodong or nodong otherwise known as a SCUD.
They were supposed to launch an UNHA-2 carrier rocket which is similar to the Tae but liquid propulsion and more gentle than solid propellants to a satellite. Instead they launched the Tae and fox was confusing everybody during the whole event....Mixing up REAL rocket specs with their speculation. Yes they launched the missile but fox didn't tell everyone how close the rocket/missile are in looks and size....lot more here than meets the eye.
I even heard a Japanese report about launching a "Medium Range" missile at the same time. Yea...Either of these are low/medium or Geosynchcronus (24 hours) Earth Orbit payload launchers depending on how they are fueled.
To launch both at the same time would be like double events...the UNHA-2 is the same size as the Tae.
SK and USA have said the payload is now an artificial reef which is how the other NK Tae 1 and 2 tests have gone.

[Uh Duh]

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Wow that was exciting.

[Uh Duh]

North Korea remains a country that indeed, posses a threat, and needs to be watched closely....and clearly they are....
For the full article as printed on CBS3 (http://cbs3.com/topstories/north.korea.missile.2.967935.html) Posted April 1, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE54O14220090525?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&rpc=22&sp=true May 25th, 2009
:frustrated: North Korea? I would ask what are they thinking, but I know the answer.

[Uh Duh]

Russia fears Korea conflict could go nuclear - Ifax
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-39913120090527

Medvedev told South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who called him on Wednesday, that Russia was prepared to work with Seoul on a new U.N. Security Council resolution and to revive international talks on the North Korean nuclear issue.

"The heads of state noted that the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on Monday is a direct violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution and impedes international law," a Kremlin press release said.

[Diane Melendez]

North Korea is going to push the package until they get "slapped" into line by the world community. Very soon words are no longer going to do it.

[Dog Walker]

But if we "slap" them, then the entire million man strong North Korean army will surge across the DMZ into South Korea. Seoul is only about 70 miles south of there. The South is a hostage and our army is elsewhere.

Maybe if we could catch the Teensie Weentsy Leader and all of the Generals together at the nuclear facilities a daisy cutter slap would work, but the risks of any military actions are huge. We would either have to abandon the South or use Nukes.

[Diane Melendez]

Seems to me there is enough technology in the world today to jam up North Korea's ability to play at bomb making. What happened to espionage, triple agents and sudden unexpected death of nut job leaders and their top brass? Where the hell is 007 when we need him?

I believe the leadership of that country can be taken down without all out war. All that is needed is the will, the world community already knows the way.

[Uh Duh]

The, arrrggghh, dare I say it, Chinese are the best equipped to do it. James Bond would stick out like a sore thumb in North Korea. To 'look" the part of a North Korean you would need to starve yourself for a month. IMHO, The nuke test made the Chinese and the Russians realize whoever is in charge in NK is insane. No one wants a crazy man with a nuke on their border. While the government builds its bombs the people starve. They would take us all into the abyss.

[Jose Gaspar]

The, arrrggghh, dare I say it, Chinese are the best equipped to do it. James Bond would stick out like a sore thumb in North Korea. To 'look" the part of a North Korean you would need to starve yourself for a month. IMHO, The nuke test made the Chinese and the Russians realize whoever is in charge in NK is insane. No one wants a crazy man with a nuke on their border. While the government builds its bombs the people starve. They would take us all into the abyss.

Kim only does what the Chinese let him get away with. They are watching closely for how WE react. Gauging how far we will let them push the envelope with Taiwan in a few years.

[Uh Duh]

Kim only does what the Chinese let him get away with. They are watching closely for how WE react. Gauging how far we will let them push the envelope with Taiwan in a few years.

Its not like we owe them anything is it? How many weapons do you think the Obama administration will sell Taiwan? Kim for Taiwan and the purchase of a few more treasury notes. You do the math. Everybody is happy. I believe the nuke test followed by more missile tests is over the top even for the Chinese. A terminal miscalculation on the part of Kim.

[Diane Melendez]

Terminal and Kim actually sound good in a sentence together. Cold but true IMHO.

[jbm32206]

North Korea is not stepping down from this...
YEONPYEONG, South Korea — Spy satellites have spotted signs that North Korea may be preparing to transport another long-range missile to a test launch site, South Korean officials said Saturday, as the U.S. defense secretary issued his harshest warning to the North since its recent nuclear test.

"We will not stand idly by as North Korea builds the capability to wreak destruction on any target in Asia — or on us," Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told a regional defense meeting in Singapore. He said the North's nuclear program was a "harbinger of a dark future," but wasn't yet a direct threat. Since last Monday's nuclear blast, North Korea has test-launched six short-range missiles in a show of force and announced it won't honor a 1953 truce ending fighting in the Korean War.

The reclusive communist state appears to be preparing to move a long-range missile by train from a weapons factory near Pyongyang to its northeastern Musudan-ni launch pad, a South Korean Defense Ministry official said. Images of the movements were captured by U.S. satellites, said the official, who was not allowed to be identified when discussing intelligence matters.

North Korea will need about two weeks to complete the launch preparation, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing an unidentified intelligence official. The missile might be tested around June 16 when the U.S. and South Korean presidents are to meet in Washington, Yonhap said.

Officials in Washington said Friday they noticed indications of increased activity at the missile test site, but did not provide many details. They spoke on condition of anonymity because methods of gathering information about North Korea are sensitive. Yonhap said the size of the missile was similar to a long-range rocket the North tested in April.

Experts have said the three-stage rocket has a potential range of more than 4,100 miles, putting Alaska within its striking distance. Despite the rising tensions, the atmosphere was calm Saturday at the truce village of Panmunjom inside the heavily armed Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas. The area is a cluster of blue huts inside the 154-mile-long DMZ that is jointly administered by the U.S.-led United Nations Command and North Korea to supervise the cease-fire.Full story (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,523319,00.html) on foxnews

[Jose Gaspar]

Its not like we owe them anything is it? How many weapons do you think the Obama administration will sell Taiwan? Kim for Taiwan and the purchase of a few more treasury notes. You do the math. Everybody is happy. I believe the nuke test followed by more missile tests is over the top even for the Chinese. A terminal miscalculation on the part of Kim.

I absoloutely agree. The Chinese are still undeniably an oppressive regime that has much reform still to go, but they are a practical people, and their leadership is not mad off their nut.

[Diane Melendez]

Something is gonna give here and I don't think what gives will be anything the world community is expecting. North Korea will be taken to task in a way they are not expecting, very soon.

[jbm32206]

It's a very serious situation and I just don't see a positive resolution to it...this guy's nuts and has been a seriously growing threat for some time now

[jbm32206]

Obama is talking more about North Korea...this from MSNBC
CAEN, France - President Barack Obama on Saturday expressed impatience with North Korea's refusal to restart nuclear disarmament talks and said his administration was taking "a very hard look" at possible tougher approaches. "We are not intending to continue a policy of rewarding provocation," he said.

While hardening the U.S. position, Obama did not cite any specific new measures and said he preferred following a diplomatic path. He made no reference to potential military action, but his language suggested he sees little point in continuing policy that has failed to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons or halt development of missiles capable of striking Asian nation and potentially the U.S.For the full story (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31141106/)

[NotNow]

It's a tough problem. I just hope that he doesn't repeat the same "we pay, they promise" process that has kept the PRNK going this long. There are other tools we can use over the long term.

[CS Foltz]

Embargo's and the like only work if the world community makes it so! With the British and the French representing them in the global market we are allowing them to exsist! Don't forget China's backing also.....if they were not getting subsidized they would dry up and wither away!

[jbm32206]

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Tuesday it would use nuclear weapons in a "merciless offensive" if provoked — its latest bellicose rhetoric apparently aimed at deterring any international punishment for its recent atomic test blast.

Pyongyang raised tensions a notch by reviving its rhetoric in a commentary in the state-run Minju Joson newspaper Tuesday. "Our nuclear deterrent will be a strong defensive means ... as well as a merciless offensive means to deal a just retaliatory strike to those who touch the country's dignity and sovereignty even a bit," said the commentary, carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.For the full story (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525501,00.html) on foxnews

[NotNow]

A tough problem for the new administration. I hope that measures are taken to prevent the spread of nuclear technology. I fear the end game of this.

[jbm32206]

All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not the one who has to figure out what to do about NK

[Diane Melendez]

Wow, the North Korean leader is just the type of "nut job" the world has been worried about since the invention of Nuclear weaponry. This is a very difficult situation. I mean how can you out plan a mad man? Scary stuff.

[Barney]

This is a very difficult situation. I mean how can you out plan a mad man? Scary stuff.

Out plan a mad man...hmmm....sounds like what the concerned citizens of Jacksonville have been trying to do since John Boy took office! :frustrated:

[Diane Melendez]

:Dhahahahahahahaha Good one Barney!

[Dog Walker]

John-boy isn't mad. He's just so far out of his depth that he can't even SEE the surface much less reach it.

[Uh Duh]

The Mayor is North Korean? I knew there were residency issues back in 2003 when he first ran. Maybe Ponte Vedra is part of North Korea? Where did I put my pirate charts?

[Dog Walker]

The Mayor is North Korean?

Well.....he's short enough, but too fat! LOL! Oh! There's another big difference; he smiles and the teeny tiny leader never does.

[Uh Duh]

Well.....he's short enough, but too fat! LOL! Oh! There's another big difference; he smiles and the teeny tiny leader never does.

Well that settles it! Lets send him to North Korea instead of Paris in exchange for the two journalists. :biggrin:

Another problem solved and everybody happy. See Mr. President it isn't that tough.

[Diane Melendez]

:biggrin: I like it UD.

[Uh Duh]

Another round of international drama is about to begin. North Korea is planning to launch a long-range missile on or about the 4th of July. The U.S. Navy is planning to intercept a North Korean ship once it leaves the area of the Chinese coast. The NK ship is believed to be carrying prohibited weapons or weapons parts. The USS John McCain is currently shadowing the NK ship.

The full story can be found here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/19/military-set-intercept-north-korean-ship-suspected-proliferatin-missiles-nukes/

[jbm32206]

North Korea is a threat and this guy is nuts....
WASHINGTON -- President Obama said the United States is "prepared for any contingencies" involving North Korea -- including the regime's reported threat to launch a long-range missile toward Hawaii. Japanese media have reported the North Koreans appear to be preparing for a long-range test near July 4. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ordered additional protections for Hawaii in case a missile is launched over the Pacific Ocean.

"This administration -- and our military is fully prepared for any contingencies," Obama said Friday during an interview with CBS News' Harry Smith, to be broadcast Monday on "The Early Show." "I don't want to speculate on hypotheticals," Obama said. "But I want ... to give assurances to the American people that the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted in terms of what might happen."

The South Korean news network YTN reported Sunday that a U.S. Navy destroyer was tailing a North Korean ship, the Kang Nam, suspected of carrying illicit weapons toward Myanmar.For the full story as printed on foxnews (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/21/obama-prepared-threat-north-korea/)

[Jose Gaspar]

Yes our military is ready now, but not 10 years down the road when the cuts to the missile defense program are in effect.

[Uh Duh]

N. Korea Escalates War of Words, Calls Clinton Vulgar, Unintelligent
- Washington Post

"We cannot but regard Mrs. Clinton as a funny lady as she likes to utter such rhetoric, unaware of the elementary etiquette in the international community," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said, according to North Korean media. "Sometimes she looks like a primary schoolgirl and sometimes a pensioner going shopping."

Full Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072300299_pf.html

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[CS Foltz]

Isolate the little buggers and shut them down! We really need to quit playing games by their rules. Economic sanctions hurt the populace but turn their money spigot off....bar them from participating in world markets and dry them up!

[NotNow]

The rest of the world does not cooperate with those actions. The Chinese have supported NK for years and will continue to do so.

[Claude91098]

Hillary needs to play her trump card: "Thermonuclear ash trays"!!!

Bill got the conventional one...NK should be afraid...VERY afraid!

(LOL)

[Ralph W]

It's sometimes kool to vent frustration with a "Let's frag 'em" comment but would you use a flame thrower to remove a questionable mole on your shoulder before you tried a simple excision of the offending cell(s)? Yeah, I know, we don't "excise" heads of state but that solution would be preferable to incinerating a population that has absolutely no say in the direction of their country. Perhaps if the lesser top dogs could be persuaded that their personal gravy train is approaching a nasty break in the tracks they would work internally to lessen the impact on their lifestyles.

[NotNow]

Who in their right mind would perform such an act for the U. S. Government? Within a year some congressperson with a camera fetish would be putting out the names of everyone involved and calling for their prosecution or extradition to North Korea. Major media like the NYT, NBC, CBS, & CNN would be stumbling over themselves to expose the "killers" and those "loose cannons" who sent them. Don't forget that this is the country that sends 18 & 19 year old men into combat and when they shoot armed adversaries a little to fast for our air conditioned, recliner slumped opinions we try to prosecute them. Do you think that the CIA would be willing to take on such a mission, even if requested by the President?

The Eagle's talons came out on 09/12/2001 but many in our country were cutting them off and attempting to stuff the Eagle's in cages within 5 years. Now they think that they can just let them out or call for new Eagles. I fear that our government is steering us in a direction that we are no longer prepared for, and once again young American men will pay the ultimate price for poor governance and ignoring the threat which tells us daily that they are going to kill us.

[Claude91098]

Right on NotNow!

Personally, I view NK as bothersome little knats that buzz around your head and frustrate you. Their bites are mild and we usually just brush them away or kill them with a swat.

NK is not a "global threat" IMHO, what they ARE is a threat to countries near to them.
Now IF NK explodes a nuke above ground, THEN they become a "global threat" and should be exterminated....their government heads, not the whole country. An above ground nuke spreads fallout over the ENTIRE PLANET, and CANNOT be tolerated by ANY country, including China and Russia.

It is US policy that we DO NOT put hits on heads of state....BS!!! We do it all the time and have MANY times in the past. It is the MOST EFFICIENT way to avoid conflicts such as Iraq and Afganistan...and of course, NK. We have been knocking off drug cartel heads for decades as well as some of the government officials that worked for them.

Frankly, I don't have a problem with it, and if THEY come HERE and hit one of OUR officials, then there must have been a reason to risk the wrath of the US Military to do so.

[Chandlerfrommeeks]

u go Hillary