Far be it from me to seem alarmist. The United States and our allies in South Korea stage war games and drills every year at this time, in March. It seldom amounts to much. They publicize that the maneuvers are not connected to current world events. 
The United States and South Korea have cordially invited media to cover several of the drill events in coming weeks. The part of the games and drills that might inspire some concern is the “Foal Eagle” training, to involve about 10,000 troops. These drills have been in the planning stage for months.
North Korea is viewed by the world as hostile and unpredictable. But as we know, when North Korea takes military action such as the sinking of the Cheonan or the shelling of Yeonpyeong, North Korean President Kim Jong ll takes exhaustive steps to explain his actions. The shelling of Yeonpyeong was aimed at the provocative missile launches from the South in connection with drills held with North America in an effort to make the never-accepted 38th parallel line of demarcation seem real and recognized. The North doesn’t speak indistinguishably, or casually. In recent mid level talks held within the Korean demilitarized zone, it was revealed that knowledgeable groups blame the President’s son, Kin Jong un for increased hostility. He is being groomed for statesman-hood. He may have a serious side to his nature.
The North Korean media Sunday and again Monday, charged that the exercises were in preparation for a preemptive nuclear attack on North Korea. Here is a quote from the Korean Central News Agency: “Their real intention was to fix around late in February, when Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, joint military exercises targeting the north and expected to be staged throughout south Korea in collusion with foreign forces, as the date for the full-dress talks in a bid to lead elsewhere the north side’s condemnation.” Analysts and defectors agree that the North Korean remarks go beyond rhetoric. North Korea’s army on Sunday said drills are aimed at removing the country’s nuclear weapons arsenal and destroying the country. It warned that provoking Pyongyang through the exercises would lead to "all-out war," with the South Korean capital being turned into "a sea of fire."
Article comments
1 - Alison
It would be interesting to see with all of the recent events in north Africa and the middle east if anything happens in repressive countries in Asia such as NK.
2 - Dan(Miller)
Here, here and here are two articles and one comment on the recent events in Korea, published on February 26 and 27. Having written them, it is perhaps unnecessary to say that I find myself in less than total agreement with Mr. Lake.
The DPRK will continue to be even more repressive and more dangerous than Libya and to do its thing with the acquiescence if not the active support of China. If the United States acts as an enabler the situation will get worse, as it has in recent months, not better.
Dan(Miller)
3 - John Lake
Alison:
I'm going to kick myself when I get this one. So far I'm thinking, Nepal, Kathmandu...
I'm trying to locate a repressive country, NK.
4 - John Lake
It would surprise me to know that China still supports North Korea; they have voted for sanctions against Libya, where they had till last week (about) 100,000 workers.
I think we should probably have some intensive dialogue with North Korea before going forward with these war games.
5 - John Lake
Alison:
I just understood your comment. In fact, if any of these nations goes ballistic, (pun in poor taste) particularly if we make the mistake of supplying weapons, the world may be "up for grabs."
6 - Dan(Miller)
China has blocked publication by the U.N. Security Council of a report on DPRK nuclear activities. The DPRK has nearly finished a new tunnel needed for nuclear tests -- as of last week, it had completed 800 meters and had only 200 meters to go. China continues to press for six party talks involving the DPRK and the United States as leading to more "humanitarian relief," now mainly supplied by China, and the amelioration of sanctions.
China seems to be principally interested in avoiding a migration stampede across the border with the DPRK rather than in tempering DPRK activities. Meanwhile, the few in the DPRK who protest, or even read South Korean propaganda leaflets, are being executed. A "high ranking" DPRK military officer was recently executed for pocketing some dollars from the propaganda leaflets. After being required to watch the executions, the families of the recently deceased are sent to concentration camps; nice place -- in some respects sorta like China.
Dan(Miller)
7 - John Lake
China does have a more moderate stance, and shouldn't be discounted.
8 - Josh
Kim Jong Il president? More like terrorist. He is a dictator, not a president lol
9 - John Lake
A cruel and lascivious dictator indeed. But he goes by 'President.'