If it were not so serious, it would be tempting to call this article Liveblogging the North Korean missiles. The first report was that North Korea had fired a missile, though - no worries - it was not the dreaded Taepodong long-range missile. Then they fired another, and another. The third missile was the long-range Intercontinental missile, that could theoretically reach the US. As I write this, there have been three more short-range missiles fired. It's not clear that North Korea is done.
The good news? The long-range missile test failed. It fell into the sea. More good news? That may have been the only one ready to test.
The bad news? North Korea is firing missiles. Japan is on high alert.
On June 19th, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said "It would be a very serious matter and indeed a provocative act should North Korea decide to launch that missile." Now that there's been a launch, the word from the administration is that it was a "provocation."
Even more provocative was the timing. Not only was it the Fourth of July, but the first missile went off at about the same time as the Space Shuttle Discovery.
It's unclear what we're being provoked to do. At the moment, it's been phone calls between the other nations. Japan has threatened economic sanctions, a moot point in the US, which has no trade with North Korea, and unlikely to sway a country already willing to starve its people.
Article comments
1 - RJ Elliott
The North Korean government is run by madmen. There can be no deterrent against people who are insane mass-murderers of their own civilians.
At some point, in the relatively near future, North Korea will fall. But it will be bloody. And Seoul will pay the greatest cost...
2 - MCH
"At some point, in the relatively near future, North Korea will fall. But it will be bloody. And Seoul will pay the greatest cost..."
And we can only there will be a draft by then, Elliott, so those who boast that they "support" the invasion will get a chance to put their money where their mouth is...
3 - Nancy
Seoul has waffled about disciplining & taking sides against its "sibling" & "flesh & blood" N. Korea, which might under normal circumstances be understandable, but in view of actuality is insanity & refusal to face facts on the part of Seoul: N. Korea does NOT view itself as either a sibling or flesh & blood with S. Korea, despite the constant kidnapping of S. Korean citizens by the north. I don't know if (& frankly, I doubt Seoul - or the bulk of S. Koreans - ever will) nerve themselves to stand up to N. Korea in any way that's significant.
How come nobody's ever tried to knock off that midget maniac, anyway?
4 - Maddy
Hi mom!
Thanks for the article. I told you to watch out for North Korea. Everyone is focusing on Iraq and people forget..."Oh, yeah, there's this country who hates us and can launch a nuclear weapon any minute..."
Poor Japan, we attack Nagaski. North Korea is sending missles near them.
Gotta head to the breakout room.
Your loving daughter (Who you miss like crazy),
Maddy