Another Nuclear Test for North Korea?
Last month, North Korea conducted a nuclear test and fired at least five short-range missiles. As the U.N. Security Council prepares a resolution to impose sanctions, sources are reporting that the rogue nation may be gearing up for another nuclear test. (Source)
White House National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer, who didn’t comment directly about a third nuclear test, said in a statement, “We have come to expect North Korea to act recklessly and dangerously. But while the world unites to pass a strong new Security Council resolution, it is clear that North Korea’s behavior is succeeding only in further isolating itself.”
President Barack Obama may freeze North Korea’s accounts in foreign banks as sanctions, but he’ll likely try to talk to North Korea first. No doubt he prefers six party talks, but admitted that such talks haven’t been effective in the past. North Korea is set to conduct a third nuclear test and has threatened to launch long-range missiles. At this point, having a discussion about its defiance seems futile. In fact, Stephen Bosworth, special envoy to the president, said North Korea has “spurned” attempts to talk.
Last month, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the U.S. has 30 ground-based missile interceptors in place to counteract missiles from North Korea. He also said the Obama administration planned to shift funds away from weapons and research for future conflicts and focus on weapons needed for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Perhaps the president will reassess this decision in the wake of North Korea’s rumored nuclear test.
Tags: Barack Obama, North Korea, Robert Gates, U.N. Security Council