Considering that the SK’s have 600,000+ under arms, and we only have a token force of about 25,000, the SK’s wouldn’t have a choice but to fight. Additionally, we already have sizable forces deployed and/or in the field in Iraq and Afghanistan. While their skills and excellence in battle are without question, they have been spread too thin for too long. Another major conflagration might bring our forces to the logistical breaking point — if not to a psychological one.
Also, in any reopening to the Korean Conflict, NK would immediately go for Seoul. It’s close, and even if their conventional forces couldn’t reach it via invasion, they could and very probably would attack it immediately with a major missile barrage — perhaps even a nuke or two. They would figure they have little to lose at that point. And, Kim and all the important NK’s would be deep underground in bunkers they’ve had 50+ years to build.
Then, we have to consider WHO would be our Commander-in-Chief. Barack Obama has no military experience, and he does not philosophically agree with “war,” nor does he generally see it as a necessity. Believing that he is capable of fixing any problem through diplomacy by deploying his irresistible charm and personal self assurance might work on weak-kneed Republican’s in Washington, but Kim Jong-Il (not to mention Mahmoud Ahmadenijad, Hugo Chavez, and Fidel Castro just to name a few) would eat him for breakfast.
Frankly, though, what bothers me more is the (tin foil hat alert) possibility that tying up our military forces overseas in engagements is part of the agenda. Tie up your forces dealing with numerous foreign battles in different locations — and viola! this produces the need for a domestic Civilian National Security Force! And of course, during wartime with ALL the domestic, economic and foreign crises, well, it’s time for the ACORN stormtroopers to “oversee” security and “detain” those suspected of anti-government activities.... A stretch? Hmmmm....
Finally, if Korea explodes into war, and with us already tied down in Iraq & Afghanistan, where’s the next domino to fall? Which despot will try to grab what he wants while we are “distracted?” Would Iran up the ante via it’s Lebanese based proxy Hezbollah, attacking Israel? Would they make a move against our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf? How about the Central/South American option? Would Cuba and Venezuela, via their proxies attempt to grab weak democracies through insurgencies or invasions? Could they destablize the already weak Mexico? Would Russia go after Georgia again — or the Ukraine? Or would China finally attempt to retake Taiwan, whom we’ve promised to defend should that eventuality occur?
The Korean situation could very easily bring about a downward spiral into global chaos, given the current economic and foreign relations crises at present. The steady hand of a principled leader who trusts in something larger than himself would be welcome. But we don’t have that. We are indeed more vulnerable and endangered than at any other point in my lifetime — including the Cold War.
Dangerous times ahead.
“Tie up your forces dealing with numerous foreign battles in different locations — and viola! this produces the need for a domestic Civilian National Security Force!”
Ok, you just really creeped me out,,i can see that.
Yes. To all the above. Which is why it's so dangerous to have a rank amateur at the helm at times like this. We barely made it out of the Kennedy administration in one piece. This is a far more complicated world, despite not having Soviet Union in it anymore.