Michael Auslin is director of Japan Studies at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. The views expressed are the writer’s own.
By Michael Auslin, Special to CNN
With most countries, one remembers dates, such as 1066 or 1776; with North Korea, one remembers U.N. resolutions. Tuesday, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 2087, the seventh since 1993 concerning North Korea’s illicit nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program. Like the other resolutions, it is empty and meaningless, and will do nothing to resolve a growing crisis on the Korean Peninsula. It’s time for Washington to grow up and either decide to put real pressure on North Korea or to admit diplomatic defeat and reserve the right to retaliate for any unprovoked North Korean aggression in the future.
North Korea: New nuclear test will be part of fight against U.S.
There’s nothing new, either, in North Korea’s strident denunciations of the U.N. resolution, except perhaps its clarifying reiteration of the United States as a “hostile power” and enemy of the Korean people. Nor must any observers delude themselves into thinking that, simply because Beijing decided to support this resolution, China is in any way serious about crimping Kim Jong Un’s style. The Kim regime long ago figured out that China would much rather have an obstreperous and unbalanced quasi-theocratic totalitarian state controlling the northern half of the Korean Peninsula than trust that a reunified Korea would not somehow decide to side with the United States and possibly even Japan in the game of global geopolitics in Northeast Asia.
If North Korea stays true to form, then the world should expect a third nuclear test within weeks, as a sign of Pyongyang’s displeasure with the U.N.’s temerity to express, yet again, its opposition to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. This will undoubtedly spur the United States, China and other nations in the region to act upon the U.N.’s repeated desire to restart the Six-Party Talks, despite their having achieved nothing in the decade since they began. Instead, Washington will likely once again prove that it has caught itself in a “dialogue trap,” in which the end goal of dealing with North Korea remains maintaining the forms of diplomatic interaction, regardless of their lack of content.
Yet even if America and its allies, along with China, have not learned any new tricks, Pyongyang is not standing still. Indeed, its successful ballistic missile launch last December now gives it the confidence to begin increasing the range and payload of its long-range missiles. As it allegedly has in the past, North Korea will likely sell these weapons, first to Iran, its longtime partner in weapons proliferation, but also potentially to other nations with the cash to pay for “Made in North Korea” goods. In addition, conducting a third nuclear test will only give the North Koreans more experience in handling nuclear technology, and move them further along the road to weaponizing their nuclear stockpile, so as to put it on top of their newly-credible missiles.
America is thus getting perilously close to a red line, in which an aggressive and hostile rogue regime will have the means to target at least some of the American homeland. Most observers would find it easy to conclude that Kim Jong Un, like his father and grandfather before him, is crazy like a fox, and therefore would do nothing to precipitate the almost certain destruction of him and his regime should he be foolish enough to let an errant missile land in Los Angeles. Yet given that this is a leadership that only several years ago sunk a South Korean naval ship, killing more than 40 sailors, not to mention kidnapped dozens of South Korean and Japanese citizens over the decades, only someone professing to have a crystal ball or a backyard nuclear shelter should feel comfortable making such an assumption.
Opinion: For the U.N. and North Korea: Game on
What should we do? One suggestion is to return to the Bush-era financial sanctions on the Kim family and other leaders of the regime that caused such consternation a decade ago and seemingly led to the North Koreans agreeing to serious negotiations. However, the Bush administration gave up its leverage soon after dialogue began, and the North returned to its old tricks. Hitting the Kim pocketbook seems to be one way to get the regime’s attention.
Another suggestion is to take a page from the Obama Administration’s early treatment of North Korea, refusing to enter into negotiations until the regime showed some good faith. “Good faith” with North Korea is of course an elastic concept, but the Obama administration was right not to rush into hasty agreements; the fact that it did so soon after Kim Jong Un took power last year and was rewarded with yet another broken agreement, proves the wisdom of its first course.
Yet perhaps it’s time for America and its allies to grow up, and admit that, now that North Korea has nuclear weapons and functional ballistic missiles, there’s nothing we can do to prevent them from building a force as large as they want. The North will not denuclearize, nor will it give up its long-range missiles. Therefore, the United States should make it very clear that it is done negotiating and reserves the right to annihilate the North Korean military (and regime) should South Korea or Japan, or the U.S. for that matter, be attacked by North Korea’s nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles.
Some would say that is containment, while others would recoil from the de facto recognition of North Korea as a nuclear power. It would however have the saving grace of being the only realistic path to come out of nearly two decades of failed diplomacy. It would mean neither more nor less than the stalemate we’ve been living with since 1993, and is perhaps the only way to let the North Koreans know we are serious about protecting our interests.
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Here go those right-wing fanatics in Washington again, trying to scare us over North Korea! We need to engage them in meaningful talks but the Washington politicians will have none of that. Back in 1945, we should have let the Russians occupy all of Korea just like we did all of J apan. That way, the Korean War would not have occurred.
Joesph – "Meaningful talks"? When has something out of North Korea ever been meaningful? Russia at the time was no friend to many back in the day of the "police action".
The author's advice was too hawkish. He should let China handle the young unruly leader in Pyongyang. Beijing had adopted an UN-resolution a few days ago that imposes sanctions gainst North Korea.
So happy guys like you Joe have absolutely no say in foreign policy. Keep typing wild theories on the keyboard, Joe, that's your call in life.
Joseph....Haven't we been talking to the North Koreans for nearly 60 years? After awhile, talking gets old. Besides, they are threatening the country with nuclear weapons. This is tantamount to having a gun held to our head, they want our wallet. Give'em what you got, and the next time they'll want more. I respect your opinion to use political solutions, but for unreasonable countries that have their own perspective on the world, politics just don't work. Heavy sanctions to test their resolve about using one of those missiles....meanwhile, the Chinese are quietly standing behind North Korea smiling and laughing inside saying the plan is coming along well.
Wake up man
Say it ain't true, Joe! Do you really side with the nuts who think Korea would have been a better place and this a better world if the North Koreans had gobbled up the Korean peninsula? You mock the lives of those who lost their lives and limbs to prevent it.
you're an idiot
Right on, Joseph. The meaningful discussion should have been done long ago on Korean people's unification, but wars are a racket and our oligarchs need to have a bogeyman to make profits from arms sales. This article is just propaganda to keep us in the constant State Of Alarm.
You're an idiot Joseph. Did you not read the article about a decade of talks resulted in nothing?
Joseph, CNN reports the North Korean government is planning to test rockets to hit America. I fail to see where the right wing is involved with the Korean government.
If they are so interested in the rockets that cover the distance between our two countries; it would just be rude not to share on of hours with them, 'ya know.?
Joseph....................you're the reason why many don't want to live in this world anymore. The stupidity is tooo high!
Im leaning on the left wing of the political spectrum but even I agree that this cant go on any longer. The North Koreans see the U.S. as their enemy and continue to refuse to follow any resolution made by the United Nations. The majority of nations on eath agreed to stop nuclear testing why is North Korea the exeption? it just isint right. not to mention they doint seem to understand how devistating a nuclear weapon is, its one of the only weapons on eath capable of making the planit uninhabitable, we doint need another country with that kind of capability. If North korea continues its nuclear testing we need to take extreme measures to ensure the safety of our country and other countrys aroud the world.
China Russia, you claim to be the Equal of the USA. How about for once getting hold of your rabid dog before it picks a fight that will be especially bad for North Korea and the Chinese Russian economy. While your at it you could also put a choke hold on your stupid step brothers Iran and Syria. Why does the USA always have to be the police of the world. It's about time some of these backward counties starting hating on some of the worlds other, so called "Super Powers".
Shoot the rocket on the launch pad. One word message to their government, "No!"
Not a bad idea, but I think it should not Russia or China that actually does it. We have enough trouble. Let them take some heat for awhile.
Agreed!! Without the Chinese and Russians on board....the US would be seen as an "aggressor" – unfairly so, when clearly N. Korea is poking the wrong nest. However, I'm pretty far left, but the time for diplomacy with N.Korea has passed....imho.
World War 3 , enough said
NO WAY – This, just like everything else, it has to do with money. No one is going to nuke anyone because if they did their country would be no more. Money and power are what guys like this are all about. The only exception to the rule of money is the crazies like Iran. Now they might do something that stupid, but again I doubt it. The last thing North Korea would ever do is launch against the USA, literally. And as far as I know their religion if any, does not promise them another world, or 72 virgins. That is why most choose not to start world war 3 and choose to rule over people and make as much money as they can. It is a well known fact that a country that is nothing more than a pile of ashes for the next 25 thousand years is not going make any money. And as it relates to the USA, China can afford to side with North Korea, we owe them way to much money.
They do get 72 little ladies in padded suits and ear muffs – having been vetted by the Kims though, I would not bet on their being virgins.
A real problem occurs if/when N Korea sells their nukes to a theocracy (e.g., Iran) or terrorist organization (e.g., Al Quada) with a "mission from God" to destroy is enemies!
From now on give North Korea NOTHING. Not even if they promise to be good.
I don't know if I should panic. North K. is practically on the other side of the planet for me. I feel most of the US could be protected if the worst happens anyway. Why worry yet? We're the ARE the US of A after all!
North Korea: YAWN... same ol same ol. NK will never attack the US 'cause they know the kind of hell they'd have to pay. Nothing to see here, move along.
I say if they want to mess with us then we should get kim jong un a little "parting gift" before he steps down
NATO should act now and bomb them back to the stone age. Then if they ever start working on building nukes again, simply bomb them again. That'd put a stop to their nuclear ambitions real quick. Better to do it now than after they obtain a nuke...
You are completely oblivious to reality "general". You bomb them then so goes South Korea. Their fates are intertwined. If North Korea is bombed, they will bomb South Korea until there are at a minimum of hundreds of thousands of deaths and with so many people close to the border within range of artillery, there would absolutely be massive casualties and damage in just a matter of hours. Stay out of military matters because you don't know what you are talking about.
There are always casualties of war, if you can't handle that fact, then you shouldn't be a soldier.
They already have a nuc, General. Ulichi Focus Guardian. Goggle it. 10 million dead in the first three weeks.
NATO = North ATLANTIC Treaty Organization. I think it's highly unlikely that our NATO allies would take part in any action against NK.
We can thank uncle Joe Stalin for this mess. All we can really hope for is someday North Korea implodes in it's own filth and lies but this seems unlikely when the people are so brainwashed they likely have no concept of what century they are living in.
We can also thank Mao Zedong and Truman for this mess. Stalin and Mao provoked it and Truman was too weak to stand up to them.
All these countries trying to get their hands on nuclear weapons are a bit late to the party. The U.S.A has had and will always have the biggest baddest whooping stick on the block and we're not afraid to use them. We already have anti balistic missle defenses, and we've been making nukes for alot longer. If on the chance North Korea fires a nuke at us I'll bet we shoot theirs down and wipe them off the face of the earth before anyone even knows what happened. That being said, I dream of a world without WMDs, but that'll probably just never happen.
When will people stop buying into the fearmongering? North Korea isn't gonna do anything, but we have to be ready to respond in case they try of course. It's that simple. Just keep an eye on what they are doing, but don't act like they are primed to strike at anyone. They aren't going to do that. Sure, there are little skirmishes every so often, but nothing major is to be expected at all.
North Korea suffers from the "little man" syndrome. They're gonna pick a fight with somebody bigger (us) to try to look tough, but ultimately get the snot beat out of them. China needs to step in and say "Chill out little brother, don't go picking fights you can't win."
THIS ISN'T A BLUFF
ITS ON THEMSELVES IF THE TEST BLOWS!
We should not trust "Koreans". Neither North Korea, nor South Korea – are not valuable partner. No trade with "Koreans" would bring significant benefits to USA and Western countries.
never turn your back on this country, they can not be trusted. Who knows maybe they want us to be the aggressor so we will go in destroy everything, then build it back up, better than it was. No cost to them, we always clean up after ourselves.
He's just looking for relevancy with the military that actually holds the power. He's a teenager developmentally (look at his hair and the way he built an amusement park) who is over his head. That is actually a dangerous situation. China needs to be on board, the Chinese company NORINCO sold him all his weaponry (as did Iran, but it's pointless to get them involved!). He's like these kids with assault style guns shooting up shopping malls and movie theaters. He really is a danger because he's crazy with insecurities.
Why don't we just let them hve South Korea back and we'll worry about the US?
Simple, LG, Samsung, Hyundai, parts of Chevrolet, and the F16. All made in S.K. S.K. is a political and economic ally, why give your "Sworn enemy" all that. Its no where near as simple as you think.
Don't ya love the manner in which the military marches? Reminds me of Nazi Germany, Russian Military, China's million man army. They seem to all have something in common, marching orders against the West.
N. Korea? Seriously....like we should really fear them. LMAO. We can't finish any wars we start anyway so what would be the point. Oh, I'm sorry I forgot about the U.S. War Machine....all the major defense contractors that we have to keep employed to support their 350 million retirement packages. What was I thinking.
"crazy like a fox", that's an insult to foxes, they are intelligent animals. Remind me why this guy or his father were not eliminated long ago? They threaten all their neighbors and make silly threats against the US. He's making threats against two countries currently, they should take this opportunity to get rid of him. Talks and sanctions haven't worked, he continues to become more aggressive. South Korea is doing very well, get rid of this clown to the North and they could unify Korea.
If they nuke South Korea though, Obama's lead from behind Asia pivot non-response will be laughable. CNN will of course proclaim it another Obama victory.
Anyone else think K-J-U should go on a diet? Just sayin
No Koreans, no South Korea, no North Korea, no Gangnam Style, no hyundai, no kia, no samsung, no daewoo, no ssangyong, ... no business with Koreans.
Who cuts his hair? The barber probably says, "I make you look like Moe!"
North Korea is like a spoiled little brat...when it doesn't get it's way it start's throwing hissy fits and tantrums. All this head case leading this country wants is attention...like a spoiled little brat.
This country is threatening the United States and South Korea with nuclear weapons. Is this an empty threat? Perhaps. But can you imagine the kind of hell that would reign down upon North Korea if any sort of heavy bomb was actually used against us? The country would be left a wasteland.
Lil Dong One must be compensating for something again. Hahahahahahahahahah
NK relishes the debate while we do nothing. Sanctions never work–witness Iran about to enter the nuclear club. The only club that works is the one with spikes on it.
When life becomes something like a game of chess, just remember that God owns the board.
I'm so ronery.
Maybe if I set of a nuke someone will call me on my birth day.
Why not pick a fight with the U.S? Every country we have kicked butt on now has a good strong economy and a higher standard of living then before the fight. Just look a night time shot of N.K. and you will see no lights in 95% of that country.
So it makes sence to have a little war from their stand point.
U.N. power or rules applied against for those who does not have Nuclear (the only Earthly power). To NK, UN does not mean anything.
If they got balls, why France, Canada(tailgate),...go after NK and Iran? Instead, they show their muscles against Mali and other non-Nuke Countries.
These motive shows, Nuke is the only weapon to be SAFE, SECURED and GOT RESPECT.
You got a NUKE, you got respect.
You got no-NUKE, you got no-respect.
No more talk.
GLASS THOSE FOOLS!!!!
Who's been smuggling Big Macs into North Korea??? Hahahahahahahaaha
Right, instead of being cornered, even cowered, America and their nuclear missles armed allies should altogether challenge North Korea to launch the first nuclear missile to America or anywhere. Defy and dare them. At the same time promise North Korean generals that one missile sent out by them – will be excuse for 100 similiar missiles heading to Pyongpyang.
Seems with our "diplomacy first" stance...which should indeed be the first step in any case...rogue countries have taken advantage of that fact to flex their muscles to obtain international clout. These countries want to see how hard they can push us before we react. And when we DO react, then claim we are aggressors and warmongers.
I say give them what they want. Diplomacy can only go so far before you have to react and show them you mean business. The more we let them do what they are doing, the more it makes us look weak and vulnerable for them and other rogue nations to do as they please until it does erupt into a giant crap
storm.
Right, and one sure way to get China involved is for US to declare war against NK . US must let Pyongpyang know that US is ready to destroy NK's missile launch site at any sign of another nuclear missile test in NK. America will not take responsibility for that kind of attack, because NK has already announced their intention to strike America with a nuclear missile bomb.
America's threat to bomb NK should move China to make some political and economic action against NK. Because we all know China do not like any war near their border.
Who gets the first dance with the fat kid in the front row with the DIY haircut??? Hahahahahahhahaha
You all have it wrong and in time the eyes will open.... USA is not a saint and when you see how diabolical are own country is then you will humble yourself, just as many of us have when we opened our eyes to the truth.. This is another tactic of the US to get us yet into another war. Oh and IRAN they never started a war and havent been in one for eons.. USA? many,, we are responsible for 9/11 we are responsible for Pearl Harbor.... the list goes on... I suggest all of you Patriots dig deep... Are country committed a genocide on over 500 tribes of people,,, we built this country on the backs of black slaves...... So how saintly and great is the USA? Karma is cause and effect.... we will soon pay for the reality that has taken over the world and that is a reality filled with the power of the bankers (Rothschilds, Vatican (big players)..... We are broke and thanks to them the foreign investors bankrupted are country and the pimps who let them....... 1913 bad year when we let the FEDERAL (private banking system) Reserve come into being..... We have created all this mess...... just as in your own life the micro cosm one must take responsiblity for their actions same in the Macro,, we must take responsiblity for all that we have done... We have always been imperialists thanks to the British Empire.... We just are subjects that is it.. This has been one big facade and we have all been duped...... Open your eyes. THE CHAOS is coming within months are dollar will collapse and I am glad, we can kick out those who hijacked are true reality and that is about peace, compassion, love for everyone in this world.... Evil will not rule no longer.... its that like anything else for those who have no vision,, things must fall to pieces in order for them to see the truth....... GOD BLESS ALL, yes that includes the Iran the North Koreans, the DIabolical vatican, Israel and the US
No one has any influence with NK but China, and China has no intention of exercising its influence.
Right, and one sure way to get China involved is for US to declare war against NK . US must let Pyongpyang know that US is ready to destroy NK's missile launch site at any sign of another nuclear missile test in NK. America will not take responsibility for that kind of attack, because NK has already announced their intention to strike America with a nuclear missile bomb.
America's threat to bomb NK should move China to make some political and economic action against NK. Because we all know China do not like any war near their border.
North Korea has reached a point where they need to be curbed and curbed hard. The US needs to either walk away and accept defeat, or target the NK leadership with "the bomb" and stand firm. The Chinese have more to lose than we do if they choose to get involved.
It is not only North Korea, no, also South Korea is very dangerous. Koreans have very strong and dangerous international intelligence networks, using non-typical and non-Western methods for winning international markets. Stop "Koreans" with no imports from South Korea, and not buying "Koreans" products. We do not need Samsung phones, satellites, no Hyundai, no Kia, ... , once they penetrate the West, it will not possible to stop them ... STOP "Koreans" now!
This is just a propaganda piece for endless wars and military buildup.While we are borrowing money from its neighbor, Communist China , we are worried about North Korea ?. China and Russia next door do not seem to be worried . If the insane propaganda stopped maybe we could get the two Koreas united and have peace on the Korean Peninsula. The future of Koreans is in the unification of their people . The Globalists HATE nationalism, so that is where the problem comes in.
Just make them all honorary Mexicans and give them free citizenship.
A lot of Iranians are actually pro-American, it's their leadership that is fanatical. North Koreans are brainwashed and kept in the dark. His posturing is for their ears, to keep up the myth that we are trying to destroy them. In either case, a military strike would only empower their leaders and prove them right. We need to take both of these threats very seriously. Perhaps a few pinpoint actions to embarass the leaders and make them look silly without manufacturing martyrs could be done. Hire Pink Floyd to fly a pig over their capitol or something.