Can I ask you a stupid (but honestly stupid) question? Given that the world has known for some time that N. Korea has nukes, why is a "test" so much more urgent a crisis than the fact that they already had them in the first place? The U.S. and the U.S.S.R. tested nukes often, but in hindsight, history has found that neither one of us seriously wanted to use them when the chips were down. Does N. Korea's testing imply imminent use?
It's akin to the difference between concealed carry and brandishing.
The U.S. and the U.S.S.R. tested nukes often, but in hindsight, history has found that neither one of us seriously wanted to use them when the chips were down.
The US and the USSR were feeling their way along in developing a nuclear ettiquette during that time. In the wake of the Cold War, Miss Manners would NOT approve of nuclear testing. It annoys the neighbors.
Until they test, there is still the possibility that lil' Kim is bluffing.
Once they test, everyone knows they have a bomb and it works.
radiation
This will confirm once and for all they have them...