Will North Korea and the US both get what they want?

[Astronuc]

(when the US was sole owner of the tech to build an atomic bomb)

Actually there was close cooperation between UK and US at the time. Britain went on to fabricate their own atomic bombs, as did the French and the Russians.

Klaus Fuchs provided details of US and British technology to the Russians.

 

[ptabor]

Let's hope USA don't start a war with NK.
If USA don't drop the bomb the battle with NK would likely to rage on for weeks if not months or longer. Many more casualties would result in a much slower and more dramatic fashion.
By nuking NK, USA will be able to swiftly and decisively win the war.
Granted, it's a rotten thing to do someone and is sure to ruin their day... but is it any worse than invading NK?

I was not justifying the use of nuclear weapons on civilian targets. As astro explained, I was merely parroting the justification at the time. Whether or not this justification was valid is a matter of debate. As someone else (not sure who, atm) stated, it was also done as a demostration of our power - which I feel to be a likely scenario.

In my opinion, every nation on Earth should dismantle their nukes yesterday.

 

[McGyver]

NK Perceived Threats Serve Republicans and Kim Jong

Did Bush (or Rumsfeld) actually say explicitly that we would consider using tactical nukes for a pre-emptive strike?

Further, deterrence is a game and a lot of the same moral and practical objections that apply here applied to MAD as well. But in my view, such policies are just a bluff anyway. So I guess more to the point: do you really think the US would actually do what you are suggesting?

Does anyone here actually believe NK would attack anyone with a nuclear weapon? I mean, Kim Jong is having a wonderful life! Why would he put all this in jeopardy? NK's tests and rhetoric are merely a result of loose threats by the Bush White House and their wanting continued trade and high level prosperity made possible thru China. So is China really our friend?

Two groups bennefit thru NK's nuclear test. Kim Jong, and the Bush - Republican leadership. I wouldn't put it past Bush operatives to PAY Kim Jong to carry out these tests, i.e. Bush and Repub ratings go up with these perceived security threats. Isn't it obvious NK is unable to carry out a nuclear attack. If Kim Jong were serious, he wouldn't be setting off these [firecrackers]. He has a very cozy lifestyle! These actions appear to be mere PR campaigning. We only need worry if Kim Jong enters into cozy dealings with Iran, and it would seem not a fit as they are two very different regimes.

It appears Kim Jong wants to be more a part of the international community and West, but w/o access from the outside world, like China, but with a politcal model of dictator.

 

[Hurkyl]

NK's tests and rhetoric are merely a result of loose threats by the Bush White House

Ah, of course this is all Bush's fault. Silly me, I thought it was Kim's fault.

Isn't it obvious NK is unable to carry out a nuclear attack.

I don't know. Is it?

 

[McGyver]

It Appears Both Kim and Bush Will Get What They Want

It appears after late today, that NK's Kim and U.S. President Bush will both get what they want. Kim will enter talks to avoid sanctions - where I suspect he will seek some new trade thru China and the West. Bush gets to boast that he peacefully resolved this escalation of a potential WMD threat.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15341349/