Not only was I in the service, but my most important assignments involved analyzing the movement and actions of the North Korean military. Now, admittedly that was decades ago, but at least that would seem to give me a bigger grasp on the Koreans than the average guy in the street. I think Kim Jong Un is eventually going to attack us in some way. He’s painting himself into a corner.
Note Trump’s careful wording. He gives Un an “out”. That face saving thing we always hear about regarding east asian culture. Delicately phrased precisely for public consumption.
I don’t think he’ll go quietly. He cannot go quietly. Kim can’t stand down, because if he does he’ll lose power. The North Koreans have been brainwashed their whole lives that America is the mortal enemy. He steps down and a general or family member will fill the void.
I’m guessing as long as Kim is in power he will keep pushing the envelope but never really to total war, the rest of the world will not do anything as long as he just plays with his toys.
I’m not 100% convinced that military intervention is necessary. He’s not going to give up his nuke program, that would be a massive mistake from his perspective(that would guarantee a regime change or invasion). I don’t think much is going to change as long as China and Russia are on board with North Korea, and whatever Trump says is just posturing like Bush and Obama.
They already shot an ICBM through Japanese airspace and the response was mere words. I think they could test over the Pacific with the same response.
I think you are right - Little Jong has overplayed his hands and is nuts enough that he will get even more stupid to either save face or go out in a "flash of glory".
I think Kim Jong Un is eventually going to attack us in some way. He’s painting himself into a corner.
Agree. He’s doing what he’s always done in the past, which is to have the State-size version of a spoiled-child temper tantrum. With past administrations, these tantrums have been rewarded with money and even nuclear fuel (super mistake). So, Kim is trying the same old temper tantrum with the Trump administration, but this time there is no reward for bad behavior.
Kim’s first reaction is to scream louder. If he has an ounce of intelligence and awareness, which is questionable, he might recognize it’s not working this time.