NKorea, and Obama, to be tested

ARTICLE: North Korean Nuclear Blast Draws Global Condemnation, By Blaine Harden, Washington Post, May 26, 2009

ARTICLE: An Early Test for Obama's Engagement Policy, By Glenn Kessler, Washington Post, May 26, 2009

The succession issue, in my mind, is driving North Korea to make a big show right now. The regime is betting the response will be swift and more negative than usual, but nothing it can't handle because China really won't take the steps necessary to create any serious regime instability.

Back here, Obama's "soft" policy of engagement will be blamed but it's completely irrelevant to this process, which is driven purely by internal North Korean needs to appear strong as the succession nears.

Comments

[joe Michels]

I don't think it is Obama's soft policies are driving the NoKos to show off their new toys. I think they are desperate, and yes mixed with a little nutty, and will continue to "showoff" no matter who is in office.

I do wonder if Obama missed an opportunity to destroy a missile in route to show where we draw the line. I believe that would have given him something to work with in the future.

[cogmeyer]

Great LA Times article on the China / N Korea relationship

"China debates its bond with North Korea"

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-fg-china-korea27-2009may27,0,4005894.story?page=1

[Jon]

Can't we worry about a regime that at least can keep and work with enough good engineers to shoot their missiles straight and doesn't get probable nuclear dud after nuclear dud. And they're 0/3 on their missile tests. That's a pretty pathetic combo....

It makes me wonder how many of those arty tubes allegedly pointed at Seoul are even real, and how many actually still work.