North Korea Gets My Attention

The North Koreans want our attention, and that of the entire world. Today, they got it. Initial reports are that North Korea has test-fired at least three missiles today, and one of them was the Taepodong II long-range missile that could, conceivably, reach the U.S. The three missile launches were first reported by Japan, but have since been confirmed by NORAD.

The first two missile launches appear to have been scud-type Rodongs, and both fell into the Sea of Japan. The third missile fired has been sitting on the launch pad for some ten days, while the DPRK posed and postured before the world. It apparently failed within minutes of being fired, and was not engaged by American patriot missile systems, since the U.S. was in no danger.
The timing is not lost on me. We in America celebrate our nation's birthday today, our 230th. And earlier today, Discovery was successfully launched for the first shuttle flight in over a year. It seems that the North Koreans didn't feel like sharing the spotlight today with the American people. They are-and have been for some time-engaged in a very serious game of one-upmanship with the free world, but today they set a whole new precedent.

For years, our policy was to talk to the North Koreans. "Diplomacy" I think it's called. And while we talked, North Korea has beefed up its military, developed nuclear weapons, and purchased dangerous and deadly technology from our "friends" the Chinese and Russians. There is also some indication that they have worked with the Iranians (see post Iran And North Korea United?). And now they are test-firing long-range missile technology. And the whole world was watching.

So now what? The Japanese must be terrified. They have repeatedly warned the North Koreans not to fire that missile, as have many other countries, including the U.S. But is it too late to demand sanctions from the U.N. Security Council? Will isolating them even further do any good? They already spend most of their money on their military while millions of their people are starving and living in darkness. Any sanctions will just hurt the innocent North Korean population even more, especially bans of food and medical aid (see CIA report and summary on DPRK). And their government will continue along their current path militarily, especially with Kim Jong Il in charge. The same Kim Jong Il who last Friday threatened the U.S. with annihilation if the United States attacks pre-emptively.

It seems to me that, with the firing of that long-range missile, that major act of both defiance and intent, the DPRK has finally crossed a line that there can be no going back from. Now it's time for the rest of the world to act. Before it's too late.

Also blogging: Blogs of War; Captain's Quarters; Redneck's Revenge