So, did he or didn’t he? North Korea/Kim Jong-Il has claimed they successfully tested a nuclear weapon and they are “happy” with the results with no nuclear fallout. Seismologists have shown no seismic activity in North Korea in the last 48 hours. This test would not be a surprise, but it could be a huge deal if they did.
According to Fox News:
11:30 pm EST 10/08:There is no confirmation at this time.
12:10 am EST 10/09:South Korea raises military alert level. U.S. Officials say China warned U.S. test was coming. Sr. Bush Official says nuke device was tested. South Korea Intel: Nuke test measured 3.58 magnitude.
12:30 am EST 10/09: U.S.G.S. detects 4.2 magnitude tremor 240 miles NE of Pyongyang in North Korea. China “resolutely opposed” to nuclear test by North Korea. Still no direct confirmation of test.
1:10 am EST 10/09: If true, North Korea’s nuclear test could spark an Asian atomic arms race.
10:00 am EST 10/09: President Bush: “We’re working to confirm North Korea’s claims.” “North Korea’s proclaimed actions are unacceptable.” “North Korea’s claims only serve to raise tensions.” “…a threat to national security.” “International Community will respond to the threat.”
Something to keep in mind – Iran will be watching to see what the response will be. If it is not swift and decisive, they will continue with their pursuit of nuclear technology. They probably will continue regardless, but depending on our response, they may have to alter their plans in how they go about it. Iran might very well get “ready made” nuclear technology from North Korea!
Did you know that North and South Korea are technically still at war?
When a ceasefire was eventually signed, on 27 July 1953, no-one could have guessed that 50 years later, the two Koreas would remain technically at war.A peace treaty has never been signed, and the border continues to bristle with mines, artillery and hundreds of troops. BBC
Trackbacks:
Morning Coffee
Michelle Malkin
A Lady’s Ruminations
North Korea conducts successful nuke test
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Monday it has performed its first-ever nuclear weapons test. The country’s official Korean Central News Agency said the test was performed and there was no radioactive leakage from the site.
Wha…
Thanks for the link, MC!
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Thanks again, MC. This whole situation with North Korea is getting a little dicey!
yes, definitely dicey. I just hope that this is taken as seriously as it needs to be ~ ripples in the pond and all…
Unless we can rely on China, I doubt anything meaningful will happen, other than more angry talk. And that’s the wrong message to send to Iran AND Kim Jong Il.
It’s some scary stuff. But was that a Malkin trackback I saw? You GO girl.
Yankeemom, I hope it’s taken seriously too, because we really don’t need the madman in North Korea handing over nuclear weaponry to the madman in Iran!
Word, I pray China will be reliable. From what I understand, this act on North Korea’s part is a real slap in the face to China, so that could help to keep NK under control since China won’t put up with that.
I’m not going to rest easy for a while, that’s for sure, Stew. And I trackbacked to Michelle’s post, not the other way…but it would have been great!