[Hostage]

> “ The ability to do both will prevent the outside world from overthrowing their regime.”

Yes, that’s it. They will never attack with such weapons because they would be annihilated.

The question remains who would initiate an overthrow?

An answer offered is it would more likely come from an internal threat.

[Garth Tater]

Historically NK has been used by China to stir the pot in Asia when China needs a little stirring done. It keeps the world's eye off China's misdeeds and makes the Chinese regime look less crazy by comparison with the Norks. In return for being China's little terror China supports North Korea and keeps the NK bigwigs living pretty nice lives but only so long as the Kim family does as their told. If the Kim's were to stray too far the Chinese have many well paid agents inside of the NK military that would send them on to their next life.

But this arrangement is coming to an end. North Korea's nuclear capabilities, in addition to keeping the wider world at bay, also give it the ability to exercise a little freedom of action vis a vis Chinese domination. China doesn't like this development and may have to take action soon. They don't want to do so as they have made long and useful use of North Korea - but they cannot live next door to another nuclear power -- so, if we leave the situation to fester for awhile the Chinese may be forced to take action. I have my fingers crossed anyway.