For a few
months now, international leaders have been preoccupied by both North Korea’s
nuclear power and missile programs. Indeed, after its space rocket launch in
January 2013, NK has been actively carrying out nuclear weapons tests: three in
February alone. Until now, the only international reaction was UN disapproval.
On March
8th, North Korea threatened to defend its sovereignty by launching pre-emptive
nuclear strikes against both the United States and its ally South Korea,
claiming that Washington is itself preparing to attack North Korea with nuclear
weapons. The United States’ reaction wasn’t long in coming: the Pentagon
announced it plans to add 14 interceptors, which can shoot down missiles in
flight, to the 30 already in place in California and Alaska. But despite the
isolated country's latest fiery rhetoric, analysts say the regime is years away
from producing a missile with the capability of reaching continental United
States.
US Defense
Secretary Chuck Hagel declared: "The US has missile defenses to protect us
from limited ICBM [Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile] attacks… North Korea in
particular has recently made advances in its capabilities and has engaged in a
series of irresponsible and reckless provocations." The defense secretary
said the US would also deploy a radar-tracking station in Japan. When asked
about the failure of a test of the interceptors, Mr Hagel said further tests
would be carried out this year.
"We
have confidence in our system," he said, "and we certainly will not
go forward with the addition of the 14 interceptors until we're sure we have
the complete confidence we need."
The only
worry today is the growing threat of an inter-continental nuclear missile war
between Pyongyang and Washington...
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