North Korea Nuclear Test Draws Global Criticism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the recent nuclear test conducted by North Korea and the global reactions it has elicited. Participants explore various estimates of the explosive yield, the implications of North Korea's actions, and the geopolitical context surrounding its nuclear capabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Martin B. Kalinowski estimates the nuclear explosive yield of the recent test to be between three to eight kilotons, with a most likely yield of four kilotons.
  • Alexander Drobyshevsky provides a contrasting estimate from the Russian Defense Ministry, suggesting a yield of 10 to 20 kilotons, though the basis for this estimate is unclear.
  • Some participants express concern over North Korea's missile tests and nuclear ambitions, suggesting that these actions could provoke severe military responses.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the state of North Korea, with one participant sarcastically commenting on its current condition compared to a hypothetical future scenario of destruction.
  • Another participant questions the implication that North Korea's status as a "backward country" means it poses no threat to others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the estimates of the nuclear yield and the potential consequences of North Korea's actions. There is no consensus on the implications of these developments or the characterization of North Korea as a threat.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying estimates of explosive yield and interpretations of North Korea's military strategy, which depend on differing sources and assumptions. The geopolitical context remains complex and unresolved.

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North Korean Nuclear Claim Draws Global Criticism (NY Times)

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New York Times said:
Martin B. Kalinowski, a nuclear expert at the University of Hamburg, said a seismic magnitude of 4.7 corresponded to a nuclear explosive yield of about three to eight kilotons of high explosives, with the most likely yield being four kilotons.

...But Alexander Drobyshevsky, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, offered a different estimate, saying that the force of the blast, which the ministry confirmed occurred at 9:54 a.m. local time in northeastern North Korea, was 10 to 20 kilotons, the RIA-Novosti news agency reported. It was unclear what information the defense ministry based its estimate on. Russia estimated the force of the 2006 blast at 5 to 15 kilotons, far higher than other estimates at the time.
 
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Bolton gave a heads up on this five days ago.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124277648950937029.html"
Now, Kim is poised to succeed again by following precisely the same script. In April, Pyongyang launched a Taepodong-2 missile, and National Security Council official Gary Samore recently confirmed that a second nuclear test is likely on the way. The North is set to try two U.S. reporters for "hostile acts." The state-controlled newspaper calls America "a rogue and a gangster." Kim recently expelled international monitors from the Yongbyon nuclear complex. And Pyongyang threatens to "start" enriching uranium -- a capacity it procured long ago...
 
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They've also been firing (short-range) missiles towards Japan.

It might be worth pointing out to them that they are a nuclear power who is technically still at war with an ally of the United States. There is a non-trivial chance that their attempted nuclear extortion will instead result in Pyongyang becoming a sea of molten glass and steel.
 
There is a non-trivial chance that their attempted nuclear extortion will instead result in Pyongyang becoming a sea of molten glass and steel.

Haha, as opposed to its current status as a sea of rust-covered steel and rotten wood!
 
ExactlySolved said:
Haha, as opposed to its current status as a sea of rust-covered steel and rotten wood!
Because it is a backward country do you mean that it is no threat to anyone?
 

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