Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said today that the US “will not stand idly by as North Korea builds the capability to wreak destruction on any target in the region — or on us.” He also urged a unified international response to what he characterized as an unhelpful series of tests.
North Korea has been testing short-range missiles throughout the week, and also conducted an underground nuclear weapons test on Monday morning. Reports continue to suggest the nation may also be preparing a test of a long-range ballistic missile.
Exactly what measures the US would, or even could, take are unclear at this point. Army chief of staff General George Casey says the US is prepared to fight a war in the event North Korea launches an attack, but Gates has insisted that nothing they’ve done constitutes a threat, just a provocation.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso have reportedly agreed to the need for a “serious response” to the tests. But North Korea’s enormous level of isolation makes it unclear how much effect sanctions, or anything else, would have.
….hope…and….?
For a different perspective, I recommend "Chosen Nukes", by Israel Adam Shamir – May 29, 2009. Who is possibly more dangerous China with its nukes or North Korea? If the US will attack North Korea, it will use nuclear weapons. The Empire is aching to use its full capability as a lesson to everyone else, especially Iran. North Korea is a perfect patsy for this demonstration of hubris.
and with the past few debacles im sure there will be strict adherence to the Powel doctrine
Nobody is "dangerous" to the US, for the simple fact that NO ONE ELSE on this planet WANTS a nuclear war, no one but the United Snakes that is.
IMO, any state that does NOT strive for nuclear ICBM capability is committing an act of Treason. How else can you defend your sovereignty against the rapacious greed of the "free market" United Snakes???
i am sure that China would be as pleased to have N Korea as an American satellite on its' border, as Russia is with Georgia.
The treaty to supply NK with energy met the same fate as all the other American treaties (maybe they have heard of Wounded Knee) so they re-started their own energy supply.
The concept of USA starting another shooting war (in the Far East !!!) while they are enjoying such huge success in the Middle East is hilarious.
NK is saying "failure to live up to your agreements, has consequences".