Secretary of Defense Gates Warns North Korea, But Is North Korea Listening?

It Could Finally Be Time For More Than Empty Words From The World

It sounds as if the rhetoric coming out of various nations that have a dog in this fight against a nuclear armed North Korea (that would include the entire world)might indicate a realization that turning a blind eye is no longer a viable alternative. North Korea is increasingly belligerent and bold in the face of world condemnation. Business as usual but this time it seems different.

This comes not only from it's own ability to arm a ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead that can currently reach U.S. territories and potentially the U.S. mainland as well as the heart of many of our allies, but an unknown policy towards selling such technology to rogue organizations or country's that would like nothing better than to use them on the west, Israel, Europe the far eastern countries.

If indeed there is an increase in the resolve of nations to finally address this problem (aka Chinese intervention), it will back North Korea against into a corner as it is used to it's bluster and actions resulting in platitudes as well as aid.

My fear is that we are dealing with a madman who has historically shown a total disregard for the well being of his people, and who may want to go out in a memorable and deadly blaze of nuclear glory. That is what madmen do.



Speech In Singapore Sounds Serious and Sounds As If The Obama Administration MIGHT Be On The Precipice Of Getting A Clue

(WallStreetJournal)SINGAPORE -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates issued North Korea the sternest warning from Washington since Monday's test of a nuclear weapon, saying the U.S. "will not stand idly by" as Pyongyang develops nuclear and missile technologies that could threaten America and its allies in the region.

The warning came in a Saturday-morning address Mr. Gates delivered to an annual gathering of Asian defense officials here. "President Obama has offered an open hand to tyrannies that unclench their fists; he is hopeful but he is not naive," Mr. Gates said. "North Korea's latest reply to our overtures isn't exactly something we would characterize as helpful or constructive."

Mr. Gates also said that the export of nuclear material by North Korea to other states or terrorist groups would be considered a "grave threat" to the U.S. and that Washington would hold Pyongyang "fully accountable" for the consequences if such technologies fell into the wrong hands..." Sphere: Related Content