[Alter Kaker]

What do you suggest? More diplomacy? Clinton and Carter did that and look where that got us.

I'm not sure I understand your point. How does a nuclear Japan help things? If the interest is in deterring a Korean attack on Tokyo, the US could simply reassert its historic commitment to providing a nuclear umbrella. A nuclear Japan isn't any more likely to launch a preemptive attack on Pyongyang than a nuclear Washington is. In fact, it's probably less likely to.

[BigSkyFreeper]

If the interest is in deterring a Korean attack on Tokyo, the US could simply reassert its historic commitment to providing a nuclear umbrella.

Then what the hell do you call "arming Japan with nukes"?

A nuclear Japan isn't any more likely to launch a preemptive attack on Pyongyang than a nuclear Washington is. In fact, it's probably less likely to.

Of course. NK knows that too. They also know that if they attack first, they will be instantly marginalized from the rest of the world, who will rush to our side, because we're the only nation on the face of the Earth willing and able to deal with the problem.

[GATOR NAVY]

How does a nuclear Japan help things?

NK does what it does because the Chicoms let them. Don't buy this crap that they're upset about the North's behavior. They gave them the green light to go for it. A nuclear Japan will force the Chinese to reign in their attack dog because while we may promise we will retaliate for a nuclear attack on Japan, a Japan with nukes will without a doubt retaliate.

[elmer fudd]

I'm not sure I understand your point. How does a nuclear Japan help things? If the interest is in deterring a Korean attack on Tokyo, the US could simply reassert its historic commitment to providing a nuclear umbrella. A nuclear Japan isn't any more likely to launch a preemptive attack on Pyongyang than a nuclear Washington is. In fact, it's probably less likely to.

Put yourself in Japan's shoes. Would you trust the Americans to come to your aid? Now? Sure, but how about 5 years from now under the Clinton or Obama administration? When you've got nukes you never need to worry about whether someone else will provide your deterent for you.

[snowrip]

A nuclear Japan isn't any more likely to launch a preemptive attack on Pyongyang than a nuclear Washington is.

Your logic is circular... If this is the case, than why should anyone in the region fear a nuclear Japan, as you have suggested?

In fact, it's probably less likely to.

And the tiger shows his true stripes.