North Korea Tensions

[Student100]

Looks like they're exchanging fire again, and the North has given the South 48 hours to cease propaganda broadcasts: http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/20/asia/koreas-tensions/

Personally I wait for the day the North miscalculates and over reacts with their saber rattling, the US should have liberated the North decades ago on purely humanitarian grounds.

I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon though, the North depends on businesses as usual to remain in power.

 

[Bystander]

North depends on businesses as usual to remain in power.

Yeesss, and at the same time this is the third generation of "loose gun on deck." It's not obvious that the kid is "all there," and it is obvious that no one in the North Korean government can tell him "No" and make it stick.

 

[StevieTNZ]

My friend has been to North Korea twice, and I sent him this article http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/...uth-military-unit-border-150820082620644.html to get his perspective on what is happening.

 

[Student100]

My friend has been to North Korea twice, and I sent him this article http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/...uth-military-unit-border-150820082620644.html to get his perspective on what is happening.

I've been to the DMZ but never into the north, it'll be interesting to hear what his thoughts are.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I've been to the DMZ but never into the north, it'll be interesting to hear what his thoughts are.

I've been on both sides. DPRK was one of my most interesting trips.

 

[Student100]

I've been on both sides

What's it like on the other side?

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

What's it like on the other side?

I spent two weeks over there 4 years ago. They showed me what they wanted me to see. Told me what they wanted me to hear. I constantly debated with myself on what was real and what was for show. I think there is equal fear and brainwashing/ignorance in the population. It's all very fascinating but sad.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Personally I wait for the day the North miscalculates and over reacts with their saber rattling, the US should have liberated the North decades ago on purely humanitarian grounds.

And Seoul will be shelled into oblivion

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

The DPRK use these encounters to feed internal propaganda and patriotism. The US and SK are the boogeymen necessary for their system to work. They are taught that US ships are always right around the corner and that SK is a hell hole. Like the Nazi's, North Koreans are taught they are the pure breed.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I've also never felt safer and the general people are very kind. As always it's the government that screws things up.

 

[Student100]

The DPRK use these encounters to feed internal propaganda and patriotism. The US and SK are the boogeymen necessary for their system to work. They are taught that US ships are always right around the corner and that SK is a hell hole. Like the Nazi's, North Koreans are taught they are the pure breed.

Yeah, the North Korean government definitely depends on the rhetoric and saber rattling to stay in power. That's why they use that tactic and small scale confrontations so often. I don't think Kim is crazy or delusional enough to really think he could win a conflict.

And Seoul will be shelled into oblivion

Or the so the DPRK like's to remind everyone.

The sad part is that plenty of innocent people would die in a conflict, but generations of humans rights abuses in the North, that appear are going to continue indefinitely, might be the greater evil.

I spent two weeks over there 4 years ago. They showed me what they wanted me to see. Told me what they wanted me to hear. I constantly debated with myself on what was real and what was for show. I think there is equal fear and brainwashing/ignorance in the population. It's all very fascinating but sad.

Very interesting, I would feel completely out of my skin in the North. It would definitely be a harrowing experience.

 

[Student100]

I've also never felt safer and the general people are very kind. As always it's the government that screws things up.

Isn't that always the truth.

The south has said they won't stop the propaganda broadcasts, so it looks like additional small skirmishes are likely.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I don't think Kim is crazy or delusional enough to really think he could win a conflict.

Agreed, they are not stupid. All they want is for status quo of luxury for the elite.

The sad part is that plenty of innocent people would die in a conflict, but generations of humans rights abuses in the North, that appear are going to continue indefinitely, might be the greater evil.

It will slowly change. Cell phone smuggling and border radios allow information to get in. The people just need the information. Doubt will start to creep in and then change can happen.

Very interesting, I would feel completely out of my skin in the North. It would definitely be a harrowing experience.

It's certainly intimidating at first, but you have to go via a chinese tour group. They take care of everything for you and you're never alone.

 

[mheslep]

propaganda broadcasts:

prop·a·gan·da
ˌpräpəˈɡandə/
noun

1. 1.
   derogatory
   information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

CNN is only half right in using the term to label the S. Korean broadcasts. The broadcasts no doubt have a particular point of view, but I disagree they are misleading, at all, in claiming that Kim Un is doing a lousy job and that a better life is available in S. Korea.

 

[Student100]

Latest timeline: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/the-latest-on-koreas-n-korea-says-ready-for-all-out-war/2015/08/21/8bcd59c2-4865-11e5-9f53-d1e3ddfd0cda_story.html [Broken]

The deadline came and went, with the two entering into high level talks.Talks are set to resume today at 3pm local time.