Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JeJuJitsu]

1. North Korea, in its first formal statement since Monday's test announcement, warned that new sanctions would be considered an act of war that would bring unspecified "physical corresponding measures."

2. Bush, several hours ago: "I believe the commander in chief must try all diplomatic measures before we commit our military."

3. Chapter 7. The United States and Japan want the Security Council to impose a partial trade embargo, including strict limits on Korea's weapons exports, a freeze of related financial assets and inspections of cargo to and from North Korea. They prefer that the sanctions fall under the portion of the U.N. Charter that gives the council the authority to back up its resolutions with a range of measures that include military action.


As of today, I think, for the first time since 1953, war is more than 50% likely. Even last night, before watching Bush speak, I was half-joking about all this. Not any more. I'm not leaving yet, but am stockpiling.



It's really a cultural divide. It's the Korean way to posture and threaten. However, US military, and in general, the West, tend not to make empty threats, nor understand being played "a fool" with agreements, then broken ones, we JUST DON'T PLAY nor UNDERSTAND that game. If the US, as a policy statement are asking the UN for permission to use force, and state that "military action is on the table," you better believe that Rumsfeld, Bush, and Co., are ITCHING to take it to the Norks.
Factor in that the Norks say "any new sanction is an act of outright war" --it's just a question of who shoots first.

This is getting real, folks.

[jinju]

Bush and Japan wanted Chapter 7 on the last round of sanctions after the missile tests. They didnt get it because China, and partly Russia wouldnt let them. Theres very little chance China will agree to Chapter 7 in this case either.

As far as "sanctions being an act of war", thats old rhetoric. I recall other things that were supposed to be acts of war acording to NK. Things like taking them to the Security Council, which has been done. Sanctions which have already been applied. All those were "acts of war".

Bush has ALWAYS said military force was on the table. he would be stupid to say it was off. And a liar. Military force is always on the table, always has been and always will be in any situation really.

Do you NOT pay attention to things?

[JeJuJitsu]

[jinju]

Seriously? I mean if "turning Seoul into a SEA OF FIRE" doesnt constitute a threat of physical retaliation, I really dont know what does.

The North threatens physical retaliatoion or use of force or turning things inot sea of fire over everything. Remember what they said a win by the GNP in the local elections would lead to? Incase you dont, it would lead to Seoul becoming a "sea of fire" or other such nonsense.

Physical retaliation can mean many things. He will probably either test a missile or another dud of a nuke. Theres enough firepower around here to turn his little shithole into a parking lot. He knows it too. He knows that the US wont attack forst but that the US is just itching to destroy NK if NK gives them a real reason to do so: i.e. an attack on SK or Japan. And he also knows that his sub kiloton piece of shit that he cant even deliver is no match to the dozens of megaton warhead tipped missiles on subs.

[Boodleheimer]

i'm glad i'm not in Seoul

[Moldy Rutabaga]

>if "turning Seoul into a SEA OF FIRE" doesnt constitute a threat of physical retaliation, I really dont know what does.

Absolutely. The problem with calling everything from war games to playing cards on Sunday an act of war and making hyperbolic threats is that eventually such statements lose their meaning. "What's not an act of war for those jerks?"

North Korea has played this game of being noisy and aggressive, but not pushing their luck too far, for many years. The truth, to me, of the situation is that everybody openly wants change but secretly wants stasis; China wants stability, North Korea wants to maintain the regime, South Korea and the US don't want the chaos of sudden collapse. I don't expect a huge shift in these priorities.

Nevertheless, I'll be watching the news carefully. If Kim JI continues to seek attention with even more brazen acts, there is a breaking point somewhere where even sanctions won't be enough to satisfy nations.

Ken:>

[jinju]

"Taking us to the UNSC is an act of war"
"Sanctions are an act of war"
"GNP winning the local elections will lead to war"
"Serving us cold coffee is an act of war"


*beep* them.

[JeJuJitsu]

[Moldy Rutabaga]