subject: Tensions Are High On The Korean Peninsula [print this page] I am sure that you are keeping up with the news coming from the Korean Peninsula these days. If you are then you are aware of the increased tensions in the area because of North Koreas sinking of the South Korean Navy ship Cheonan. The sinking was probably the result of several recent run ins that the two countries had involving disputed Naval boundaries. In one such incident ships exchanged fire and some North Korean sailors were killed. It is believed that the submarine attack was subsequently launched as an act of revenge.
If you ask me this was just about the dumbest most boneheaded move that North Korea could have made. They should have known that there would be ramifications which wouldnt be very healthy for their unstable economy. Now they are in a position where they dont want to lose face by backing down. If they dont back down the result may be devastating for their economy. They depend on South Korea for some economic benefits, and they should know that there will be economic sanctions applied by the UN.
South Korean intelligence reported that this type of attack was planned before it took place but for some reason the South Korean military establishment did not follow through on their intelligence assessment.
Both sides have ramped up the rhetoric lately. South Korea has cut all diplomatic and economic ties with North Korea. It has also stopped allowing North Korean commercial ships to sail through its waters. North Korea has responded in kind saying that it will not allow South Korean ships or aircraft to use its sea or air space. In addition they have expelled South Korean diplomats from the Kaesong Industrial Park.
An international team of investigators determined that it was a North Korean submarine which fired the torpedo which sank the Cheonan but naturally the North Korean government claims no knowledge or involvement with the incident. They have gone as far as to threaten war if they are retaliated against which is quite a step. They by doing so have painted themselves into a proverbial corner.
My next point is why in the heck is Kim still in power in North Korea. Another leader might put an end to a lot of this type of trouble and set the stage for the two countries to move forward in their relationship. A change of leadership would greatly benefit the people of this greatly impoverished country.
I think that the US has responded brilliantly to this incident so far. Secretary of State Clinton has moved to the forefront in this situation and become the de facto spokesman. This makes the incident a case of North Korea versus the world rather than a case of North Korea versus South Korea. This effectively magnifies the pressure placed on North Korea to comply with any directives issued by the UN. I personally dont believe that they will. I think that the North Korean President may try to use the occasion to try to get some money from the US or the world.
Now let me drop some knowledge on you who may or may not have served in Korea. North Korea may be the aggressor but dont be fooled into thinking that the South Koreans are a pushover. They will clean your clock son. An attack by anyone on South Korea would not be a piece of cake. South Korean soldiers are just as tough as the North Koreans but the North Koreans are more brutal. US and South Korean soldiers would certainly repel a North Korean invasion. Military Ring Express
