politics

N Korea says 2nd ICBM test puts much of U.S. in range

56 Comments
By ERIC TALMADGE and MARI YAMAGUCHI

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There is apparently no viable military solution to the North Korea "problem" according to our own military professionals. Given that these people have devoted their lives to studying such problems, I tend to believe what they say.  

I would suggest that a much more effective solution would consist of 1) deciding that Kim isn't going to do anything unless we provoke the hell out of him 2) deciding not to provoke him since he has nothing we need or want (like oil) and then 3) deciding to ignore him, and deal with our own domestic problems.

17 ( +20 / -3 )

That means it could have reached Los Angeles, Denver and Chicago, depending on variables such as the size and weight of the warhead that would be carried atop such a missile in an actual attack.

I was under the impression that they needed another year to achieve this.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

I think a military solution is possible but the cost would be tremendous. You would see civilian casualties in South Korea, a massive refugee crisis, economic disruption, and a geopolitical vacuum where China and Russia could both attempt to move in after North Korea fails.

Stability, patience, and gradual measures are underrated virtues these days. We need to remember the lessons of Iraq, Libya, and Syria.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

There is apparently no viable military solution to the North Korea "problem" according to our own military professionals

There are almost always viable military options, it's just that no one wants to talk about it or actually do it.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

...and I've got to fly through Incheon to go to Jakarta on Monday... yikes...

3 ( +5 / -2 )

This is handy timing for the PM. Just saying. Almost perfect timing!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

"North Korea's repeated provocative acts absolutely cannot be accepted," he said.

Says the people who said the same thing the last time the North Koreans launched an ICBM towards Japan. Unless Japan actually pushes back by launching their own missiles towards NK in kind, Kim will continue to act with impunity until a mistake occurs and one of these missiles actually hits Japan. I don't think Japan appreciates the degree at which they are being bullied and are becoming doormats. Do something Japan or you risk inviting trouble.

CrazyJoe: There is apparently no viable military solution to the North Korea "problem" according to our own military professionals. 

This is largely true. But there needs to some pushback. As it is, Japan is all talk and no one takes them seriously.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

N Korea is testing America's resolve.

Some analysts say that since the 90s NK has been working directly for their goal. Something that historically works too, if done right.

The first step is to test the West's resolve in stopping them, and to find it lacking. That would be the weakness they want so they can acquire nuclear weapons technology.

If they achieve that, they will be able to force a treaty with the Americans. Without that hand to play they have little leverage besides war, which would be bad for everyone, but especially them.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

NK has had the same goal for a long time.

Acquire nukes that can threaten the USA

Force a treaty that results in the USA leaving.

Form a Federation with S Korea.

Re-Unification of the penninsula.

You have to not look at things weekly or monthly but historically and by the big picture. This is what 3 generations of NK leaders have been saying to their people the goal is.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Proof positive that the hard line Trump, Abe, and others have taken have done absolutely NOTHING except further NK's ambitions and abilities, contrary to what they think should have been accomplished. Now Japan is once again demanding the world act for it, and fails to take into account it's role in NK's behaviour and position. Kishida sure as heck in the picture doesn't look like he wants to be where he is, let alone ALSO Defense Minister and potential PM.

BurningBush: "Hey AP, you forgot to include a photo of Uncle Kim laughing like a retard."

Amazing that in this day and age people still get away with using that word. But hey, given whom you support constantly, no surprise you feel entitled to it.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Stability, patience, and gradual measures are underrated virtues these days. 

Gradual measures? "These day's"? How many decades have the Kim's been playing games with the west?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

"North Korea's actions can not be tolerated" - but that's exactly what Japan has done, so why even bother making these kind of statements after the fact?

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Unlike the Japanese the Koreans (not just the north) actually remember Japanese colonization and subjugation.

And why are there thousands of US troops still stationed in South Korea?

Having a nuclear deterrent in the 21st century means that North Korea will never be attacked.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Farewell gift for Inada-san perhaps?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Ricky KaminskiToday 07:48 am JSTThis is handy timing for the PM. Just saying. Almost perfect timing!

For Trump as well. Just saying.

kurisupisuToday 09:16 am JSTUnlike the Japanese the Koreans (not just the north) actually remember Japanese colonization and subjugation.

Actually North Korea remembers US carpet bombing more than the colonial period. Look at their propaganda statements and posters.

Having a nuclear deterrent in the 21st century means that North Korea will never be attacked.

North Korea does not need a nuclear deterrent. North Korea already will never be attacked because they have a 1961 defense treaty with China that obligates China to defend them if attacked. Japan also has an agreement whereby the United States will protect them if attacked, but Japan isn't going full steam to build a nuclear arsenal.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I haven't looked into the details of that treaty but most likely North Korea has already breached it by developing nuclear weapons in the first place.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

To solve the NOKO problem,one has to delve deeper, as one should in any problem, to the root cause. As @ Ossan says, NK was utterly traumatized by the " forgotten war" and the threats it still feels with the US lurking in the vicinity, is one reason that compels them to so badly want Nukes.

A military solution is no solution. SOKO's President's talks calls to Kim, is the way to go. We all know that " face " can be quite an obstacle in the Orient, but eventually Kim will come around. I bet both China and Russia,both NOKO's neighbors are not too pleased with the launches, but with the tensions they themselves have with NATO , they can't aggressively pursue Kim, Kim is an enemy of their enemy. The US should step back for a while, and give peace a chance, let Pres. Moon pursue his entreaties to Kim, and hope at some point , Kim will come to the table. A military option will be a disaster for the WHOLE world.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

There has been talk of that possibility going back several years, mostly to support military action against NK. However to my knowledge China has never confirmed that NK's nuclear weapons programs have breached the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty of 1961. Even the Chinese PLA have only said "it might" breach the treaty. If I could read Chinese I could see for myself if it is in the text.

https://zh.wikisource.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E6%9C%9D%E5%8F%8B%E5%A5%BD%E5%90%88%E4%BD%9C%E4%BA%92%E5%8A%A9%E6%9D%A1%E7%BA%A6

0 ( +2 / -2 )

is it possible that this kind of missile can hit a passenger airplane??

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

@thepersoniamnow: South Korea does not want reunification because the reunification of the peninsula will make what West and East Germany did look inexpensive in comparison. Japan certainly doesn't want reunification because a united Korea would be a threat. China and Russia don't want reunification because they don't want US troops to have potential access to their borders. Only America wants reunification.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

hiro: "is it possible that this kind of missile can hit a passenger airplane??"

Only by fluke, and only if an airline is dumb enough to fly in that space at a time they suspect launches. Not those kind of missiles.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The GSDF have all of these anti-missile missiles, which they periodically display, mostly bought from the USA. Why not actually shoot one of Kim's missiles if they broach Japanese sovereign territory? After all, that's why they bought them!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

There has been some simmering of sorts between Kim and China. History is replete with such " buddies today enemies tomorrow" stories. Any leader in Kim's shoes will do what Kim's doing, the security of your government is your responsibility, and the 20℅ chance of disappointment rule applies. Should things go awry, having a few Nukes of his own could be of some leverage..a Samson option even.

I think people should give that peninsula some space, if you corner an enemy and for a protracted time threaten him with fire and brimstone while leaving him no escape route,he'll fight back with even MORE determination, as Kim is.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@Dirk T There still are lots of Koreans who want reunification. I also know some of them can't care less about their neighbors predicament, just trying to avoid talking about the issue. What a sad world.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

He said Japan has lodged a strong protest with North Korea.

As opposed to a weak, or regular, protest?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Let's review some short history here. After South Korea/US/Japan got upset by the first of the high altitude missiles China's military "accidentally" released a statement saying that if it looked like Dear Leader was going to start a fight, China would bomb the hell out of NK's missile sites to stop a US lead attack. The statement was retracked and then nothing else was said. I would almost bet my last 1000 yen that before a missle is launched NK let's China know what going to happen. It would be my guess that this is Dear Baby Learder's attention seeking behavior, and nothing more. Is it a possible future threat? Why of course. But the question is what will be done? With a nut in the White House, and Mr. Abe beating the war drum who knows.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

OssanAmerica: "For Trump as well. Just saying."

Again, amusing at how people get defensive if you suggest Japan somehow benefits in a negative way, or loses something. HOW is Trump benefit? Abe benefits because with his now extremely low and still decreasing popularity, the issue of North Korea and rocket launches serves as something that unites the people in a common cause, and deflects from domestic trouble. Trump has had to backtrack on his "I'd like to meet the gentleman (Kim) some day... I'd be honored to go there and meet him," comments, and has had to admit, "it's more complicated than I thought". It does not serve as a unifier because it does not deflect from domestic scandals.

So, again, bud, how does it serve as a benefit for Trump -- it's far more of a headache.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This situation is a runaway tanker truck barreling down a steep hill at this point. There is no stopping it. All we can do is try to keep it from veering off the side of the road that puts it in the village. Beyond that, it will either veer off the other side of the road and explode on its own in the trees, or slow down on it's own if we manage to keep it on the road out into the flats at the bottom of the hill, where ever that is around the unseen curves ahead.

A full-blown military intervention puts it on a kamikaze course for the village when it's this far down the hill. Blame whoever you want- Trump, Obama, Bush, Clinton... that's all water under the bridge at this point. This thing is off and running.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What happens when one of these tests fails and the missile hits a neighbor country?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

What happens is not much just debris. Those missiles are not armed with a warhead they are just text ones to fine-tune the technology.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Make the Proud Eagels scared. Time to turn the militaristic tables.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Their first shot at America, whether a hit or not, would also be their last.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Pointless waste of time for North Korea to bring up, let alone brag about being able to hit mainland USA. As erratic and childish as Kim Jung Un is, he and his advisors are "smart" enough to know that once they decide to launch an offensive nuclear strike on the USA, they and their country as they know it will be finished.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Never has any Government achieved respite or concord from a dictatorship through appeasement, it is time for military action, and it must be total and unrelenting. Excepting war will bring unimaginable loss of life. It is time to except that scansions are ineffective, the North Korean Government must face total annihilation. And we all except the consequences.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@andy NK also knows what happened to saddam, gadaffi et all. they only want to defend. they bet america last time in war, but this time they have nukes. don't know if you follow things, but they have nuke sub launched technology now. of course they can finish SK, japan, guam and hawaii, but if you are an expert, do you know where their 70 subs are? i bet not near home.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@M3M3M3

One small issue, Iraq, Libya, and Syria all have/had a whooole lot of oil, where NK has diddly.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It's high time for Shinzo Abe to grab the lightning by its tail!

The PM should go to Pyongyang for direct talks with Kim Jung Un and provide humanitarian aid independent from US , EU and UN meddling.

This courageous and noble act will not only elevate Abe to be the statesman of the century but also finally break the chain of enmity and allow Japan to rise from the shackles of the dark ashes of WW 2.

The Nobel Peace Prize then awaits Abe and prevents Okinawa and Sapporo or Tokyo from becoming another Hiroshima and Nagasaki while faraway Washington remains spick-and-span.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Well, all of N.Korea is in range, young Jong Un. Got quite a few with your picture on them. Trust me, you don't want any of this!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The government and people of Japan have learnt the terrible costs of belligerence from war in Hiroshima, then Nagasaki.

The Government of North Korea is testing and launching ICBM's that will ultimately have attached nuclear warheads many times the destructive power of the yields unleashed on the people of Japan in WW2 . The people of Japan cost peace through a pacifist constitution The time for diplomacy is long gone, over. Maybe future generations will learn the costs of appeasement. For now we all have to fully accept all the military options.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The PM should go to Pyongyang for direct talks with Kim Jung Un and provide humanitarian aid independent from US , EU and UN meddling.

Appeasement has never worked with North Korea. Humanitarian aid has been provided numerous times and has never had a positive effect on the erratic behavior of the Kim family.

This courageous and noble act will not only elevate Abe to be the statesman of the century 

The more likely outcome would be the purposeful humiliation of Abe and domestic turmoil in Japan. Young Kim would be a hero in North Korea and China for humbling the Japanese.

The Nobel Peace Prize then awaits Abe

Infamy would await Abe as he would be the willing participant in Japan's humiliation. Kim's hold on power would be etched in stone for the rest of his life. In turn no future Japanese leader would dare deal with North Korea with other than a iron fist and stepped up militarization.

In the long run Japan would likely be better off for having a clearer view of their enemies motivations. But Abe isn't willing to risk his reputation and the humiliation of his nation for that chance.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

NK has had the same goal for a long time.

Acquire nukes that can threaten the USA

Force a treaty that results in the USA leaving.

Form a Federation with S Korea.

Re-Unification of the penninsula.

You have to not look at things weekly or monthly but historically and by the big picture. This is what 3 generations of NK leaders have been saying to their people the goal is.

@thepersonIamnow, Someone is a bit overly idealistic.  In perfect world, NK wouldn't even have continued to develop nukes and their regime would have focused on diplomacy to re-unify (which ideally would end their regime).  In the REAL world as long as the Nork regime tries to use it's "power" to control and manipulate the surrounding countries into dancing to it's tune, they're goal will still be focused on control and manipulation to supposedly get what they want.  

I can't see a single scenario now where the NK regime doesn't keep trying to stay in power over SK government.   Just like China's CCP refuses to accept Taiwan's ROC government, because they want to control and manipulate their "power" over others.    Human nature has shown that many people who feel they have enough power will try to lord it over others.  

All that's going to happen now is the increased possibility of Japan and SK getting nuclear weapons themselves to show NK just how stupid they've been and re-balance the situation.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

North Korea never invaded Japan, Vietnam, Okinawa, Afghanistan, Iraq nor Libya.

Tokyo actually have no quarrel with Pyongyang but is just coerced by the virtual occupation forces to be their parrot and doggy with a wiggling tail.

Japan and North Korea are neighbors and both must strive hard to have good relations and refused to be goaded to kill one another by a faraway superstar.

It's about time that Abe should have a Japan First Policy and not be fooled into joining a coalition to fight for the national interest of the sole superpower on earth which has a motto of ' Make Gold from War'!

About time Tokyo stand tall and say no to the warmonger!

No more Hiroshima! No more Nagasaki!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Abe should order to bomb Pyongyang missile factories, Does he know what self defense means?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

China, meanwhile, urged its ally North Korea to abide by U.N. Security

Council resolutions and halt any moves that could escalate tensions on

the Korean Peninsula.

Seems that until China is prepared to roll some tanks into NK, this won't be solved. Only the Chinese can do it to limit the loss of life. If SK or America or Japan send forces, it will be war. Ugly war.

There are other military options that are too much of a total failure to discuss.

I think unification of Korea is a goal for both sides, it is just the type of society and who rules that is at issue.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

8TJuly 29  03:18 pm JST

Their first shot at America, whether a hit or not, would also be their last.

That's undoubtedly true. But what would constitute a "first shot at America"? If further NK ICBM launches land past Japan in the Pacific, in International Waters but not far from Alaska, Hawaii, Guam would that count? If it lands within the US EEZ does that count? At what point do we say "screw this" and just take this regime out?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Several countries already have nuclear warheads atop icbms that could reach North America. They don't attack us, and we don't attack them, because of the fear of mutual destruction. In the case of North Korea, only one country would be totally destroyed in a nuclear war. If the North Korean dictator wants to turn North Korea into a nuclear wasteland for the next 10,000 years, that is his choice.......attack the US with a missile.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

1glennToday 08:29 pm JSTSeveral countries already have nuclear warheads atop icbms that could reach North America. They don't attack us, and we don't attack them

AND...they don't go around constantly declaring that they will "nuke" some country. Sort of like a room where everyone has a gun and are polite to each other. Then one guy waves his gun in the air yelling I'm gonna shoot you!

\

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The US destroyed the economies and societies of Iraq, Syria and Libya using the excuse that they have WMD, knowing full well that they don't.

The lesson North Korea leaned is to actually build WMD to prevent an attack.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I personally feel Japan should just ignore this guy. I can't see any benefit from getting involved or threatening anything.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

what is Kim's idea of korean unification? What would it involve and who would govern?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Anyone expecting china to do something will be a long time waiting.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Air France plane flying in Sea of Japan directly in path of NK rocket missed it by only 10 minutes.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/north-koreas-latest-ballistic-missile-test-landed-10/story?id=48972622

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Things are looking increasingly dangerous, NK seems determined to push forward no matter what the countries around them and the UN have to say about it.

They are pushing their luck but know a response is difficult... sanctions don't mean much when their main trading partner seems to not really apply those effectively, and military puts the entire region in danger of all out war between the "super" powers. China, Russia and the US.

If a military action happens it has to be Ok'd by Russia and China, and overwhelming, else we are facing WW3.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Since when do we need permission NZ2011.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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