Kim Jong Il: Dead

North Korean dictator Kim Jong- Il died during a train ride on Saturday, sending waves of shock and sorrow throughout the country. Despite the oppressive and militaristic focus of the country, the death of Km Jong Il has caused an outcry of despair. One person was even quoted saying, "He tried so hard to make our lives much better and he just left like this." It seems apparent according to many articles that their leader was held in the highest regard, even in light of the famine of the 1990s and the dictatorial one-party system.

It has been stated that Kim Long Il's son, Kim Jong Eun will be taking his place as leader of North Korea. And, according to the article, "analysts say that with the process of transition from father to son incomplete, Mr Kim's death could herald "very unstable times" in North Korea." The British Foreign Secretary William Hague also said that it may be a "turning point" for North Korea to get more involved in the international community.

So after the leader's death, how do you think the country will be affected? Will the possibly turbulent transition have a big effect on the international community?

Yet Another Post on North Korea: North Korea Testing its Limits

According to a news article by Yahoo, North Korea test-fired short range missiles today. If you're interest for the complete info, click this link. Now, this came as a surprise to the US and many of its allies, because North Korea launched these missiles right after it seemed like it was going to act more complacent.

This even surprised Russia, a country that usually is not too adamant a supporter of stopping North Korea (compared with the US, or Japan). A Russian foreign ministry source was quoted of saying "The launch of short-range missiles by the Korean People's Democratic Republic causes bewilderment." I'm guessing that this "testing of limits" by North Korea even surprised China, because just last week, the premier, Wen Jiabao visited North Korea, and N.K said that it was willing to go back to the negotiating table.

Clearly, North Korea is just trying to test the other countries and see what they will do. I think if the US and its allies really want to get the message through that N.K's actions are not okay, they should be more assertive. The US already sent an aircraft carrier to the South Korean port of Busan. Still, I do not think that is enough.

North Korea right now is acting like a toddler (toddler with nukes that is). It keeps wanting to see what it can do before getting a scolding. Maybe the US and its allies should start giving out more than just "scoldings" and convince other countries to start sanctioning. About 75% of people already think that North Korea is at least somewhat of a threat to the US in terms of nuclear engagements, so I think the US should take initiative (since it is the big dog in the world right now) and kill the beast in its infancy.

Picture this:


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-Henry Zhang