News Stories

[Shadow Kira01]

Japan, South Korea Warn North's Launch Will Have Consequences

With less than a month of time left...

I wonder.. If Kim Jong-Il get another stroke and fall into hospitalization between this period of time, will it change North Korea's mind about their missile launching threat? Hmm.. Although North Korea claims that their leader never fell into a hospitalized condition and is in perfect health but that could be North Korean propaganda.

Certainly, aside from the possibility of a second stroke, I cannot think of any other possible scenarios in which North Korea would actually back down. Intercepting their satellite may result in a counterstrike that may cost the safety of civilians. I still find that as a risky decision/option.

For better or for worse, I cannot imagine what will happen in a month's time from now in regards to North Korea's missile threats. I hope a peaceful solution of some sort would occur.

[danin8r44]

Originally Posted by Shadow Minato

Japan, South Korea Warn North's Launch Will Have Consequences

With less than a month of time left...

I wonder.. If Kim Jong-Il get another stroke and fall into hospitalization between this period of time, will it change North Korea's mind about their missile launching threat? Hmm.. Although North Korea claims that their leader never fell into a hospitalized condition and is in perfect health but that could be North Korean propaganda.

Certainly, aside from the possibility of a second stroke, I cannot think of any other possible scenarios in which North Korea would actually back down. Intercepting their satellite may result in a counterstrike that may cost the safety of civilians. I still find that as a risky decision/option.

For better or for worse, I cannot imagine what will happen in a month's time from now in regards to North Korea's missile threats. I hope a peaceful solution of some sort would occur.

One of the bigger reasons that North Korea has stepped up its aggression is because Kim Jong Il is sick. In a crazy dictatorship like that you often get people who are much greedier and aggressive lying right underneath the dictator. That with Kim's lack of an heir apparent leaves the (more) radical factions in a stronger position. Honestly Kim's good health could act as a restraining factor for some other people.

[Shadow Kira01]

Originally Posted by danin8r44

One of the bigger reasons that North Korea has stepped up its aggression is because Kim Jong Il is sick. In a crazy dictatorship like that you often get people who are much greedier and aggressive lying right underneath the dictator. That with Kim's lack of an heir apparent leaves the (more) radical factions in a stronger position. Honestly Kim's good health could act as a restraining factor for some other people.

You got a good point.. There is the fear that if Kim Jong-Il dies without a replacement to his dictator throne; the North Korean military factions might act on their own and who knows what will happen then. It is easier for the world to watch Kim Jong-Il's actions and tactics than watching a bunch of political factions and military factions do whatever they see it as fit. That would definitely be very problematic!

There is one thing I still don't seem to understand. Considering that North Korea is so back-watered, why aren't its citizens putting any slightest of effort to overthrow their government or commit a coup d'etat? It's not like their citizens are enjoying life under his rule. Perhaps, North Koreans are already brainwashed by their propaganda or maybe, they are just cowards who fear the consequences of opposing their dictatorship regime? Or maybe a mix of both?

[Terrestrial Dream]

Originally Posted by Shadow Minato

You got a good point.. There is the fear that if Kim Jong-Il dies without a replacement to his dictator throne; the North Korean military factions might act on their own and who knows what will happen then. It is easier for the world to watch Kim Jong-Il's actions and tactics than watching a bunch of political factions and military factions do whatever they see it as fit. That would definitely be very problematic!

There is one thing I still don't seem to understand. Considering that North Korea is so back-watered, why aren't its citizens putting any slightest of effort to overthrow their government or commit a coup d'etat? It's not like their citizens are enjoying life under his rule. Perhaps, North Koreans are already brainwashed by their propaganda or maybe, they are just cowards who fear the consequences of opposing their dictatorship regime? Or maybe a mix of both?

Well Kim Jung Il has a successor I believe it is his his third son. And you answered your second question, mostly propaganda. And please don't call North Koreans coward, there is nothing they could do when the government have absolute control over everything. Rather trying to overthrow their government they probably would just run away to China or South Korea.

[sa547]

Originally Posted by Shadow Minato

Perhaps, North Koreans are already brainwashed by their propaganda or maybe, they are just cowards who fear the consequences of opposing their dictatorship regime? Or maybe a mix of both?

To call them cowards, especially their spartan and determined military forces, would be a mistake: most of these people -- no matter how hungry or wearing old clothes or lacking in basic medical care -- have been indoctrinated from birth to vow fealty to the "Dear Leader" and country, consider the Americans and capitalism as the archenemies of their existence and beliefs, trained and armed to fight to the death for every inch of their land if necessary when the day comes, and will use all means necessary to obliterate the invader.

[Vinak]

until they are given food and medicine

[Vexx]

I've always thought of them as similar to the Wicked Witch's guards in Wizard of Oz. They obeyed out of fear and misinformation. Everyone is watched and you're encouraged to turn anyone in who seems "not of the Body". Freed from "the Witch" might be good... but that's where the analogy fails because his courtiers might be even more wingnut loony. :P

[danin8r44]

Originally Posted by sa547

To call them cowards, especially their spartan and determined military forces, would be a mistake: most of these people -- no matter how hungry or wearing old clothes or lacking in basic medical care -- have been indoctrinated from birth to vow fealty to the "Dear Leader" and country, consider the Americans and capitalism as the archenemies of their existence and beliefs, trained and armed to fight to the death for every inch of their land if necessary when the day comes, and will use all means necessary to obliterate the invader.

Indeed, while not much is known about North Korea because it is so secretive we do know some of their ideology which includes the idea that North Korea is the best off country in the world at all times irregardless and their "Dear Leader" is basically God.

As to why they don't revolt, they can't and many of them are so brainwashed they don't want to. There are stories of some escaping the North into the South but these are far and few between as most don't know enough to want to escape and the ones who do know enough are usually shot.

Kim does have what the world believes will be his successor but we barely know anything yet in reality. The idea that Kim Jong nam will take over is wide spread outside of North Korea (because he is the oldest) but no one is sure (because we don't know if he wants to take over), supposedly not even Kim. There is also the question of whether or not a rival faction will rise up, while unlikely in North Korea it isn't unheard of anywhere. The most likely extra problematic situation is that Kim Jong nam (or any of the other sons) who we know little about will turn out to be even more radical than his father or will be manipulated by radical elements.... so ya North Korea= scary (especially if you are South Korea or Japan)

Edit: After looking for an article to describe the confusion over the successor I found a wikipedia page that I actually think should suffice I'll just copy and past cus its short "Kim's three sons and his son-in-law, along with O Kuk-ryol, an army general, have been noted as possible successors, but the North Korean government has been wholly silent on this issue.[66] South Korean media have suggested Kim is grooming his son Kim Jong-chul but Kim Yong Hyun, a political expert at the Institute for North Korean Studies at Seoul's Dongguk University, has said, "Even the North Korean establishment would not advocate a continuation of the family dynasty at this point."[67] Kim's eldest son Kim Jong-nam was earlier believed to be the designated heir but he appears to have fallen out of favor after being arrested at Narita International Airport near Tokyo in 2001 while traveling on a forged passport.[68]" and a link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Jong-Il#Successor

[SaintessHeart]

Right now if Kim dies I think whoever takes over will give the rest of the world the finger and just launch the missile.

[ClockWorkAngel]

And then NK will be bombed to extinction. If the successor is stupid enough to do that then it's good game for them. Let's hope that if it escalates it ends quickly.

[Xellos-_^]

Originally Posted by ClockWorkAngel

And then NK will be bombed to extinction. If the successor is stupid enough to do that then it's good game for them. Let's hope that if it escalates it ends quickly.

it won't go that far but he will launch the missile. He really has no choice, if the new leader appears weak he is going to get tear down and will be lucky to keep his life,

[ZephyrLeanne]

Originally Posted by Shadow Minato

There is one thing I still don't seem to understand. Considering that North Korea is so back-watered, why aren't its citizens putting any slightest of effort to overthrow their government or commit a coup d'etat? It's not like their citizens are enjoying life under his rule. Perhaps, North Koreans are already brainwashed by their propaganda or maybe, they are just cowards who fear the consequences of opposing their dictatorship regime? Or maybe a mix of both?

Well, it only goes to show how powerful their propaganda is.

Originally Posted by Vexx

I've always thought of them as similar to the Wicked Witch's guards in Wizard of Oz. They obeyed out of fear and misinformation. Everyone is watched and you're encouraged to turn anyone in who seems "not of the Body". Freed from "the Witch" might be good... but that's where the analogy fails because his courtiers might be even more wingnut loony. :P

Ok, look at this, Kim Il Sung was the Witch, Kim Jong Il is the courtier - he's actually worse than his father. How worse can it get?

Originally Posted by ClockWorkAngel

And then NK will be bombed to extinction. If the successor is stupid enough to do that then it's good game for them. Let's hope that if it escalates it ends quickly.

I'm sure, man. South Korea will then be a island, huh? Imagine the force applied on North Korea.

[Vinak]

what a great way to waste time and money.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090317/...ding_wisconsin

[Shadow Kira01]

Smallest known North American dinosaur found



Those look like birds to me..

[FateAnomaly]

Originally Posted by Vinak

what a great way to waste time and money.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090317/...ding_wisconsin

Its the same thing when Singapore opens a budget Airport Terminal and holds a naming contest. After all the work and money, guess what they finally decide on. The new Terminal is call Budget Terminal.

[Clarste]

Originally Posted by Shadow Minato

Smallest known North American dinosaur found



Those look like birds to me..

Birds are dinosaurs. A subset of dinosaurs anyway.

[LeoXiao]

Originally Posted by Shadow Minato

Smallest known North American dinosaur found



Those look like birds to me..

Those things actually look sorta cute to me.

[Kaioshin Sama]

There's something unfortunate about this latest Fox News report. See if you can spot it:

I understand that some people think they might need to get a message out to Washington and the White House, but does nobody understand the innuendo behind any of this. It all just seems......unfortunate.

[Nosauz]

LOL, too funny, ONLY on FOX NEWS

That little sound byte would make quite an awesome YTMND
It's hilarious that they don't criticize the bush administration over the bailout... sigh... if only it were required that everybody get a mba...

[Vexx]

Its amazing what one can claim when one completely ignores history and culpability - assuming the audience too stupid to keep notes :P