North Korea

I've read a fair amount about the Korean War.  I wouldn't say I know as much about it as I do World War II, but I'm probably beyond novice status when it comes to knowledge about the conflict.  I know less of the history of the peninsula, shamefully, so I can't claim to understand all the motivations behind the weird behavior being exhibited by Kim Jong Un these days. 

Many are wringing their hands with all the missile test launches that are going on.  Apparently, North Korea was assisted by Pakistan and Iran with its ballistic missiles.  North Korea is happy to play the role of annoying younger brother looking to gain attention which, once it does, brings it economic relief for illusory promises to behave.  In a vacuum, North Korea poses a threat, although that threat is mostly felt by people nearby, chiefly Japan.  Considering what Japan's done historically to North Korea, I'd say that the threat was well-earned.

Still, it's unnerving to have a certified lunatic who kills people with whom he has a problem with rabid dogs, anti-aircraft guns and flamethrowers to have control of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads.  Although I'm dubious of his ability to successfully strike the continental United States, he could wreak havoc on neighboring countries, mainly South Korea and Japan.  What his endgame is is anyone's guess, but it may boil down to something so simple as getting attention from world powers to elevate himself in his people's eyes.

But since I'm an attorney, and since most military men also deal with worst case scenarios, let's say that North Korea finds the wherewithal to launch successfully a nuclear ICBM at the homeland.  Pick the target; it really doesn't matter.  If that were to happen, the gloves come off.

North Korea is a terrible land.  Its mountainous landscape lends itself to defense.  If history teaches us anything, war there is a zero-sum game.  With the tripwire of the DMZ, any incursion from the North would provide us ample time to rush forces there and attack the vulnerable flanks of the peninsula.  The North has an intimidating military, but it's finite.  Unlike the Chinese behemoth, the North doesn't possess an endless stream of personnel.   Eventually, attrition would take its toll. 

Sure, people are worried about the Chinese getting involved and, given their belligerence, that's a concern.  But if the North were to launch an unprovoked strike against the West, and the West retaliated, I doubt the Chinese would intervene unless they felt threatened, as they did when Dugout Doug vowed to cross the Yalu. 

But if the North Koreans were to successfully launch an ICBM at the homeland, I wouldn't mess around.  I'd turn that country into a parking lot.  Normally, I don't suggest such flagrant responses, but in this case there are plenty of benefits.  First, there's no point in using ground troops.  It would be a slaughterhouse.  Second, we don't need another protracted war.  We're stretched too thin as it is.

No, we simply nuke the place.  Turn it into a parking lot.  I know lots of people suggest this for the Middle East, but I'd rather use North Korea as the proving ground to show the Islamofascists what's in store for them if they continue their jihad.  Besides, it'll give the Chinese pause and render North Korea uninhabitable for years.  It's not like their people are living now.

It's a harsh answer, I know.  And usually I'm not this bloodthirsty.  But enough is enough.   How long must we have our nose tweaked for no good reason before we hit back?  And not just hit back; hit them so hard that they never come back.  It sends a message to other enemies that if they persist in their attacks against our country, a horrible death awaits them.

It's an unpopular decision.

Tough. 

War isn't based on popularity.

(c) 2017 The Truxton Spangler Chronicles