In the early 1960’s former CIA director Robert Gates called North Korea “the toughest intelligence target in the world.” Since the ending of WWII in 1945, the Korean peninsula has been divided into north and south “countries”, each believing to be the controlling government of the entire peninsula. What was called the Korean War supposedly ended in 1953, but during the cold war sides were chosen, support was promised, and thus the powers of the world are still engaged in the conflict.
Now North Korea has developed an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying an atomic warhead to many parts of the world, including Alaska. Experts say, as does North Korea, it will only be a matter of time before that range is lengthened. If they develop submarine delivery of missiles, the threat is even more serious, if that’s possible.
The North Korean people are constantly reminded that it was American troops leading the U.N. forces that destroyed their homeland:
“North Korea invaded the South on June 25, 1950, and swiftly overran most of the country. In September 1950 United Nations force, led by the United States, intervened to defend the South, and following the Incheon Landing and breakout from the Busan Perimeter, rapidly advanced into North Korea. As they neared the border with China, Chinese forces intervened on behalf of North Korea, shifting the balance of the war again. Fighting ended on July 27, 1953, with an armistice that approximately restored the original boundaries between North and South Korea.
Korea was devastated. More than one million civilians and soldiers had been killed. Seoul was in ruins, having changed hands four times. Almost every substantial building in North Korea had been destroyed. As a result, North Koreans developed a deep-seated enmity towards the U.S.” (Wikipedia)
Former Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton says there is only one “diplomatic” solution that might be possible: Convincing China to re-uniting the peninsula in their best interest and ours. Indeed, the entire world would be safer.
The question is, what form of government will “re-unite” the Korean people? Communism? Socialism? Democracy? A more powerful dictatorship? Is the United States willing to give a country over to the same type of government they are already enduring to promote peace? What about Freedom and Human Rights? What about the people?
Bolton is correct in saying North Korea will never give up it’s nuclear weapons program voluntarily. But whether a diplomatic action of some kind would be enough to intervene in the mad-dog behavior of a loose-cannon dictator is highly questionable. Bolton also agrees that for the protection of America President Trump must keep military options on the table, otherwise there is no deterrent.
Keeping a defensive posture does not and should not be considered provocation. Making the right offensive decisions, necessary to end real threats to America and the rest of the world, have in the past and will in the future become critical choices in the welfare of billions of people.
THE RIGHT RENDITION 