[jackbill]

I wonder if the same tactic of shock and awe would work on N. Korea?

Unfortunately, no. The instant that we make an aggressive move against N. Korea, they would unleash tens of thousands of artillery pieces which are in range of Seoul - a city of more than 11 million people.

Our Patriot missiles can knock down a missile, but nothing could stop the artillery. It would be Seoul that would be "shocked and awed".

Certainly, in the long run - nukes or not - we would prevail, but at the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of South Koreans.

And that is probably the only thing that is holding us back.

[Blueflag]

I disagree. Field artillery is an easy target for the right munitions and is easily pin-pointed by counter-battery systems and RPVs and JOINTSTARS etc., etc. They would indeed inflict damage, but would die rapidly.

the Korean capital is a problem because it is in range right now. That's a severe tactical issue, but would not alter the outcome.

[arielb]

laser technology jointly developed by Israel and the US will be able to take out artillery

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

"...Our Patriot missiles can knock down a missile, but nothing could stop the artillery..." YET