North Korea claims that they're launching these rockets in order to further their technological programs. None of the said programs will be antagonistic to the world. All North Korea claims to do is "further their space orbit" in order to further the development of North Korea.
Even if North Korea is doing as they claim, they are wasting valuable resources that could be used to support the people. Many of the citizens in North Korea are in an impoverished state because of the wasteful spending of the dictator. Many U.S. higher ups claim that the rocket launchings will only alienate them from the world even more. If they are shooting rockets in attempt to further their military research, many countries will not stand for it. If they are shooting rockets in attempt to "further their technology," they are wasting resources which could be used for the people.
However, I am a little skeptical about the United States's claims. The only other country making such claims is South Korea. Everyone knows that South Korea and North Korea have rocky relations. Maybe it is just plan by South Korea and U.S. to paint North Korea in a worse light.
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Perhaps it is unfair for the US and South Korea to jump to conclusions regarding the rocket launch. Yet, when faced with a totalitarian regime, it is dangerous to give the country the benefit of the doubt. Also, this is North Korea's second launch of the year, the first (which failed) having occurred in April. This first launch was not met favorably, as many considered it a violation of the UN ban keeping the nation from developing its nuclear and missile programs. Yet, the nation is choosing to repeat the launch with an improved rocket. Though Kim Jong Un may not have the intention of provoking enemies for now, his intentions are most likely not "friendly."
According to an NBC News article,UN Resolutions prohibit North Korea from “ballistic missile technology” and that the US, Japan, China and Russia are talking with North and South Korea, which also has rocket technology in the works, about trying to stop the launch. If North Korea goes through with the launch and it is successful, many countries will see it as a threat to their safety since North Korea is isolated from the rest of the world and has hostile relationships with countries that take the embargos really seriously. If the launch is “politically motivated” against South Korea or another country, then countries would see it as selfish and pointless because it would be for the sole purpose of getting ahead of other countries. But I believe we should give North Korea the benefit of the doubt because there is no proof that I know of that the rocket launch will be used for destructive purposes.
I think saying that Korea is wasting money that could be used on the people is hypocritical of the US. As if we don't do the same thing. But anyway, I'm pretty sure all the rocket launching isn't friendly. As said in the article that Paniz posted, it's a "defiant move" especially after everyone's criticism of the first launch.
On a barely related note, I'd just like to point out that Kim Jong Un is currently leading in Time Magazine's Person of the Year poll. While the editors will likely pick a more legitimate choice than the totalitarian leader, a few people on the internet seems to be having some fun skewing the poll results at least.
The only thing North Korea has going for it right now is its nuclear program. It has a failed economy, social oppression, and famine striking most parts of the country. The only reason that it hasn't dissolved yet is because of support from China and the International Red Cross, which it has become dependent on to "feed" its people (most reports actually suggest that the food goes to the military). North Korea, as Lee Myung Bak said today.
I don't think that saying its hypocritical of the US to criticize the DPRK. It should probably prompt some introspection, since we aren't as much of a shining light as the Scandinavian countries, but the people in North Korea are entirely dependent upon the government for their food and resources. With time, North Korea will crumble, but it may become a failed state like Somalia rather than a revolutionary one like Egypt. The people are too repressed and the military is too powerful; any substantial revolution is next to impossible.
Kim Jong Un has, so far, failed to be the modernist leader that most people thought he would be. Because of his age and international schooling, many top officials thought he would abolish the nuclear program in favor of warmer relations with South Korea and the US. If this had happened, maybe he would be Time's person of the year. At his rate, though, I doubt it. For now we can just enjoy the fact that he is fantastic at looking at things.
Though I agree that another test will further alienate the DPRK, I'm doubtful that the United States and South Korea are gearing up for a negative international PR campaign against the Hermit Kingdom. If anything, much of the world, with the exception of China, recognizes North Korea for what it is. And although China was North Korea's primary trading partner for many years, the latter's rocket tests last year despite the former's disapproval frayed relations between the two.
A (http://www.eeo.com.cn/ens/2012/1130/236795.shtml) Chinese publication speculated that (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-12/01/c_132012418.htm) the rocket test scheduled for this month is an attempt on North Korea's part to draw the United States' attention to itself. If this sounds strange even with a brick of salt, the DPRK has admittedly had a history of engaging in unscrupulous activities (nuke tests, missiles launches, etc.) to attract humanitarian aid deals offers from the international community. But as for North Korea reallocating its missile budget to feed its citizens, it seems unlikely that that would happen. If it did, the nation wouldn't half as dysfunctional as it is now, now would it?
It'll be interesting to see how the Obama administration will collaborate with whatever candidate assumes the office of President in South Korea.
While acknowledging the possibility that South Korea and the United States could be painting the DPRK in a negative light, one must also take into consideration the totalitarian mentality. Why would North Korea invest in such unnecessary projects, such as rocket launching, when it could more prudently concentrate efforts on raising the living conditions for its people? Such irrational choices raise a red flag in the eyes of other nations, likely provoking copious antagonistic views. North Korea, even if it does not have any ill-set plans, should take responsibility as a nation for its people before all else.
Did anyone else see tonight's 60 Minutes? Speaking of the status of North Korean citizens... tonight's program featured Shin Dong-hyuk, "believed to be the only person born and raised in [a North Korean political prisoner camp] who has ever escaped and lived to tell about it." If you missed the story, check it out here. I promise it's worth your time (especially for those of you currently studying psychology too).
James is spot on in this one. It is too harsh to criticize the US of being hypocritical when one simply needs to google image or youtube the famine, atrocities and militaristic control North Korea has on its citizens. Money is spent on the people here in the US a greater deal than it is in North Korea. These rocket launch tests are not friendly and should be taken seriously because what good could possibly come out of rocket tests from North Korea? Only more propaganda to spread to their citizens and more political oppression. The people are too weak and their leaders and military are too strong for any good change to come any time soon. If anyone wants a good laugh check out their website http://www.korea-dpr.com/
I have a question: from the standpoint of US, why would it care so much about the rocket launch by North Korea? (I agree that one shouldn't feel any qualm at condemning North Korea, for it is definitely smoking something illegal, building a missile that could carry its nuclear warhead.) But North Korea obviously knows that it will destroy itself by attacking the US or any of its US allies in the area. (Its society is under the threat of falling apart, so it definitely doesn't need foreign troop to accelerate that process.) I think North Korea would never attempt such suicide. The missile/rocket launch is merely one of its routine to boost its morale, diverting the attention of the people from the hunger/food shortage issue. A reaction from the US would only make North Korea more successful at achieving its goal, for now it can brag to its people that it has the most powerful country in the world threatened. I think there is no need to stress, for they are doing this more frequently this year simply to solidify the new leader's power. After some time, North Korea will be quiet again.
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