Well, they did it. Little Kim decided to test his nuclear device after all. I suspect Kofi Annan will have Hanz Blix deliver yet another sternly worded letter to the Littlest Dictator. There isn't a military solution to the problem because the war on terror has the bulk of our forces engaged and the rest of the world doesn't seem all that intersted in seeing whether or not tomorrow comes...Japan will have to re-militarize...
TOKYO (AP) Japan's top government spokesman says reported North Korean nuclear test is serious threat and provocation to stability in the region if confirmed.This threat isn't just going to go away by itself. Japan can't count on the United States at this point, so they are going to have to pick up arms themselves.
China continues to play games:
BEIJING (AP) China says Beijing "resolutely opposes" the North Korean nuclear test and hopes Pyongyang will return to disarmament talks....was that "resolutely opposed" with a wink and a nod or just one or the other?
How big a bang was it?
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korean expert says North Korea's test was relatively small, equivalent to 550 tons of TNT.Not very...but that doesn't change the severity ofthe situation at all. North Korea needs to face serious consequences for carrying out this test.
Stop the ACLU has a roundup.
UPDATE: Statement from Majority Leader John Boehner:
"The North Korean government's claim that it has tested a nuclear weapon is a desperate and dangerous provocation. The United States can not afford to stand idly by as rogue regimes flout international treaties and threaten America and our allies.That about sums it up if you ask me...
"It is critical that we support President Bush and our diplomats as they work with other members of the international community to demand North Korea 's immediate disarmament. And we must work swiftly to ensure that the North Korean government is not supplying or shipping its technology beyond its borders. We cannot tolerate nuclear weaponry in the hands of rogue regimes or terrorist organizations that threaten the international community.
"This reckless move by North Korea, coupled with their attempted missile test in early July, highlights the importance of a U.S. missile defense shield capable of protecting America against madmen with weapons of mass destruction. It is time for Democrats to recognize the need for missile defense technologies and abandon their long-standing policy of voting against missile defense programs. It is now clear that such a position would weaken America 's national defense and put Americans in danger."
UPDATE 2: AP News Alert:
UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.S. ambassador calls for U.N. sanctions on North Korea curbing the trade in materials used in weapons of mass destruction as well as illicit financial activities.Well, if you're going to dream, dream big... This is a fantasy...it'll never happen...
Mark's Remarks
I am just curious, what about the US Navy? They are not being overly taxed in either Iraq or Afghanistan. What about placing a couple of carrier groups off the coast of the Korean Peninsula? You know, barking is effective only when they can see your teeth. I think moving the less taxed Navy into a more aggressive position strengthens our ability to "negotiate".
However, like Matt, I am wary of China, and Russia. These were people giving North Koreans (besides Bill Clinton and Maddy Albright, but I can't mention those because they might write blogger to ask for this blog to be removed) the very technology they are now wanting to employ. They cannot be trusted, but if we have public statements, then by God hold them to the fire and when they renege show the rest of the world what feckless arses they are.
Of course, if the rest of the world paid any attention, Koffi would be in chains in international court under charges of malfeasance and half the dictators in the UN would be expelled by now.....oh well, a guy can dream....
