[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

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?

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.

[Rutles4Ever]

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.

That's an excellent answer. Thank you. Tokyo mentioned the radiation issue, too. No one can assume these clowns are going to actually test it correctly.

So, as I gather, once a publicized test occurs, essentially in the diplomatic universe, all bets are off. I'm sure Iran is going to be taking notes on the response. I expect we are going to make an example of N. Korea for that end.