[AmericanInTokyo]

Thank you. I, like you, was speechless when I found it. Then, I began to wonder, what does this really mean. One poster had it right...short time, could mean more suffering for the N. K. people...long term, it probably is the beginning of the end and Kim knows it.

[Indy Pendance]

Especially the testimonies from some NK ex-prisoners that are being published. The truth can no longer hide.

[Steel Wolf]

Then, I began to wonder, what does this really mean. One poster had it right...short time, could mean more suffering for the N. K. people...long term, it probably is the beginning of the end and Kim knows it.

The North Korean Communist party rule is iron clad, but brittle. They literally can't squeeze their people any harder under the system they have now. If the people no longer fear death and imprisonment because they have found a dim sliver of hope, the government may well be doomed. This is not to say that a grass roots uprising is in the works, or would even be effective. It does mean that the government is losing control, and a climate where rebellious military units, officials or key personnel may be able to take advantage of the situation.

Among the 'elites', they may pay lip service to the high command, but if the peasants are learning the truth, they may want to position themselves to take advantage of what may come of it. Brutal but incompetent regimes breed clever, ambitious survivors. Many a stagnant Asian emperor has fallen before a bold, rebellious official, because of how powerful certain individuals are in the autocracy.

Given how extreme and terrible the rule of Kim Jong Il is, any rebellion or civic breakdown is likely to be sudden, unexpected, and unstoppable. If Kim senses that the whole system is falling apart, he may be motivated to try anything before he wakes up deposed.

[duk]

I was really wondering why NK's were being so bold. They really have nothing to loose. All or nothing, and they need it all right now. This makes the leadership very dangerous. This has to be the hottest potato on W's plate. It won't go away and it won't be still.
Another 30 days of this level of escalation will lead to direct military action. I am truly amazed at how fast the NK's have pushed this brinkmanship. They are not waiting for a response before they go to next step. Hang on!!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Whoa...excellent post. Tricky time for the North Korean people. What caused the people to rise up? One big reason - President Bush noticed their suffering and told the world. Prisoner Nation: Why North Koreans cheered Bush's "axis of evil" designation, Feb. 5, 2003