The question no one seems to be asking about the North Korean Sub attack.

Vanity | 26 May 2010 | trueblackman

[Army Air Corps]

However, there are problems at the top of the DPRK’s power structure. Moreover, the DPRK is even showing bluster against the PRC (placing artillery and MLRs along the PRC-DPRK border). It seems that the DPRK is off their leash.

[Eagles6]

We’ll have to wait and see on that one. My guess is that it’s propaganda to benefit the prc. I’ve always likened them to a street thug holding the leash of his rabid bit bull saying “I’ll hold him back but it will cost you”.

[PA Engineer]

However, there are problems at the top of the DPRK’s power structure. Moreover, the DPRK is even showing bluster against the PRC (placing artillery and MLRs along the PRC-DPRK border). It seems that the DPRK is off their leash.

I spent some time in China and have some Chinese friends who indicated the following. In a way I think China has been riding the tiger to keep the DPRK refugees out and trying to reign in the DPRK with threats of power cuts. They have considered them to be a geopolitical buffer in the past and do not want a unified Korea. The modern concerns struck me as more economical than political.

It also struck me that they have lost control and either the option of defense or passive acquiescence of the loss of the DPRK are both distasteful. This is a very ugly situation and I think it has been made worse by the Chinese version of indecision.

China has the power to shut the DPRK down in seconds literally by the turning off a switch. They are the sole source of electric power there. This is a very uncomfortable subject for them to talk about and not because of the fear of internal politics. This is more like the crazy aunt in the attic with dynamite strapped on her.

Just my opinion and personal experience.

PS. They in no way want the flood of refugees. This they were adamant about.

[Jet Jaguar]

Bump

[Stonewall Jackson]

Their National Security Council met the other day and issued a declaration of condemnation against North Korea and pledged to support South Korea in this incident.

[ThanhPhero]

Two birds with one sub.

[thethirddegree]

We need to decapitate the NK regime.

[metmom]

bump

[Vermont Lt]

Thanks. I had just gotten up from a nice, sound, sleep.

Now I have this to think about all day.

(just kidding....)

[wtc911]

Sure, if you ignore every provocative action that NK has taken since the incident.

[Vermont Lt]

If they (the general “they”, not anyone in particular) took out the leadership, would it be possible to contain the country while aid streamed in. I would think the South, us, and the Chinese would fall all over ourselves trying to contain the refugee issues with a regime change.

Or, would the gates just burst open, and havoc ensue?

[wtc911]

Interesting. Maye the Iranians insisted on a real live demonstration of the weapons they are buying from the NKs?

____________________________________

Sure, NK risked an escalation to full scale war (that they know they can not win) for a sales demonstration.

[Vermont Lt]

Would it have been a test to get close enough? Or a test of political wills. If it is “A” I would think the iranians would not care if they “got away” physically. And “B”, if the Iranians shot an American ship, I doubt if even Obama could get away with just some hand wringing.

[Non-Sequitur]

Why the need for a dry run?

[sig226]

If they just wanted to see if they could get close, they could have done that and obtained a firing solution. Then they could have pinged the ship. That would provoke a response and it would be obvious that they were there.

[castlegreyskull]

The Iranians will use these against Israeli ships in thier next war with Hezbollah.

[PA Engineer]

Or, would the gates just burst open, and havoc ensue?

My opinion only. I think this would create a power vacuum with competing interests in the military rushing to fill the void. The population will probably be very passive after years of depravity and repression. I cannot imagine the internal humanitarian crisis getting any worse. The difference is there will be the opportunity for the refugees to flee.