Does rocket man order such tests? Or do North Korean leaders have the authority? Are these tests random or is it part of a pre-established schedule, a protocol for testing that they are following?
Every time we here of this are we to think WWIII is imminent? Or is Rocket man a poker player with a big do trying to leverage the best deal with DJT?
As for a set testing schedule? That's anybody's guess. I kind of doubt it. I don't know that their development program has the engineering rigor to have a pre-planned (months and years in advance) testing schedule. Part of that is probably limitations of their program, part of that is the shifting nature of sanctions, help (legal or not)...
Even if they have a schedule - even a few days or weeks in advance - I seriously doubt they would publicize it. I *think* a few times they have actually "played nice" on the international stage and issued warnings/notices to mariners and airmen 24 or 48 hrs in advance - ie. watch out, we're splashing down boosters / RVs here... Now, if we do know about their tests in advance, it is probably due to intel efforts that no-one will confirm or deny or comment on in any way. Grin, I don't need to know, don't want to know, don't want that info out and about... Because if they could confirm that we knew...what we know and when we know it might eventually lead them to find our source, if we have one...
1. It is at his personal direction. There is no fissure within the party and state, nor military apparatus he commands. No rogue element here at play. In fact, KJU is on hand personally, directing and as fully reported in their media. This, so soon after shaking hands with POTUS and all the sweet talk and glad handing.
2. No, it is not WWIII. However it is a serous UN violation and North /South Panmunjom agreement violation. It is a positioning and posturing but it is also perfecting weapons systems of his which directly threatens US troops, their families and civilians, and the populace of our allies S Korea and Japan.
He feels emboldened. When he is afraid and reigned in, he is very quiet and restrained. He went to underground bunker for days on end when we put our foot down. Same with dad. He is anything but these days.