North Korea Launches Rocket

[Asvaldr]

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea launched a long-range rocket on Wednesday morning that appeared to reach as far as the Philippines, an apparent success for the country’s young and untested new leader, Kim Jong-un, and a step toward the nation’s goal of mastering the technology needed to build an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/13/world/asia/north-korea-rocket-launching.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Well this ought to make for an interesting next few weeks what with the federal election coming up.

(P.S. I don't know who designs these emoticons, but we need one to emote facepalms haha)

[iladw]

They dare not attack anyone. Even South Korea has more military might and allies. Which is good because they'll turn Pyongyang into something like Pusan. And we'll get to watch North Korean POP

[Asvaldr]

They may or may not attack someone, but more than that I'm worried about what the potential new Japanese government is going to do about it.

[Ceewan]

Originally Posted by iladw

They dare not attack anyone. Even South Korea has more military might and allies.

If the Korean war taught the west one thing it is fighting in Chinas' backyard is a costly and losing venture. As long as China sticks by North Korea then North Korea has more military might on their side than can easily be bought to bear against them. Sure, in a "take over the world" scenario China eventually comes up short, but it would be insanity for anyone to threaten China directly or indirectly in their own backyard. China has so few true and blue allies they cannot afford to lose one so don't expect China to turn on North Korea because of their misconduct. North Korea uses this to their full advantage and has been for quite some time now.

So while I would not think North Korea can win or sustain any military conflict against one of their neighbors.....I would not come right out and say they wouldn't attack someone. As long as they believe themselves immune from conquest they could potentially risk anything.

[chrisfallout]

Originally Posted by Ceewan

If the Korean war taught the west one thing it is fighting in Chinas' backyard is a costly and losing venture. As long as China sticks by North Korea then North Korea has more military might on their side than can easily be bought to bear against them. Sure, in a "take over the world" scenario China eventually comes up short, but it would be insanity for anyone to threaten China directly or indirectly in their own backyard. China has so few true and blue allies they cannot afford to lose one so don't expect China to turn on North Korea because of their misconduct. North Korea uses this to their full advantage and has been for quite some time now.

So while I would not think North Korea can win or sustain any military conflict against one of their neighbors.....I would not come right out and say they wouldn't attack someone. As long as they believe themselves immune from conquest they could potentially risk anything.

that is true. but china said if north Korea starts it they would stay out of it. they said would only back them up as long they did not start it. so do not attack north Korea if you do not want china invoked.

[Wokkonno]

" In the distance are starting to sound the trumpets of battle. "

[ngababynaughty]

i think all the actions of their military and political current will make them more isolated world. they mobilize all its military potential to prove to the world and also a warning to all countries intend to invade North Korea

[samdetente]

Originally Posted by ngababynaughty

i think all the actions of their military and political current will make them more isolated world. they mobilize all its military potential to prove to the world and also a warning to all countries intend to invade North Korea

Oh, but they are the most isolated country. For the last half-century thye've followed a philosophy of "self reliance" and the ability to defend itself from all enemies. The military and funky fashion sunglasses for Kim Kong-Il came first. Even today with the internet, news coming from within NK is more hearsay and speculation than fact.