Threat From the East

When we think of threats to America, we often think of terrorism as the greatest danger. Although this problem persists, I believe North Korea has the greatest potential for caisson harm to the U.S. Since the Korean War in the 1950s, relations between the North and the South have been almost non-existent. With the North's ever-expanding nuclear missile program, the danger only increases.

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To give some background information, the strained relationship between the U.S. and North Korea began on July 25, 1950, when 75,000 soldiers from the Soviet-backed North Korean People's Army poured into the South. The U.S. came to the aid of the South Koreans, who would have otherwise been beaten. After three, long years of ear, an armistice was signed and 5 million people, including 40,000 Americans were dead. The Korean War is a forgotten part of history, but one that is a necessary to understanding the complex political climate of today. 

Any U.S. bases in S. Korea. Photo

Today, the threat of war is as real as ever. In fact, the U.S. and South Korea are technically still at war with the North, as an official end to the war was never finalized. 

Just this week, according to a U.S. News and World Report article, a North Korean defector explained how the leader of the country, Kim Jong Un, is "desperate" to use nuclear weapons against the U.S. The defector, Pyongyang's former deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, also expressed how "The world should be ready to deal with this kind of person." But are we really ready?

The short is yes. And we've been taken various steps to deal with the regime for years. Apart from economic sanctions, the U.S. and South Korea have been keen to employ a strong military presence in the region. While, the North Korean armed forces may outnumber their adversaries two-to-one, their equipment is largely obsolescent and their training is suspected to be poor as well. In contrast, the South Koreans enjoy the most modern equipment supplied by the U.S., as well as superior training and the support of 28,500 permanently stationed U.S. troops.

Recently, in the wake of continuing North Korean nuclear tests and threats, the U.S. deployed its most advanced missile defense system—the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).  This move is protested by China who fears its "radar could see into its missile deployments." Of course, it's no surprise that China would be upset about this because of China and North Korea's historic friendliness.

THAAD— Photo

Still, this past Saturday, it was reported that President Trump called on Chinese President Xi Jingping to help the U.S. deal with North Korea's nuclear program. President Trump cited China's "great influence" over the North. However, since the election of Trump, U.S. relations with China have been uncertain and it is unlikely that Beijing will cooperate. Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter explained how "he's been working on the North Korean problem since 1994" and he isn't optimistic about the Chinese joining forces with the U.S. I think an uncooperative China is the most probable course of action, as we are the best of friends with China.

U.S. Marines and S. Korean troops. Photo 

The threat the North Koreans pose is a very real one. I think people do not take this issue for how serious it is—a nation is threatening us with nukes. With the North's expanding technology and unpredictable nature, I think it is in our best interest to keep a close eye on this historic enemy. Economic sanctions on the country have had little effect due to the North Koreans' ability to shield their upper class from any burden Recent attempts. Additionally, recent attempts to ally ourselves with China, the great "influencer," show little promise for the future. Finding a way do deal with North Korea in the most effective manner proves to be an elusive challenge.

Do you feel that North Korea's threats are unlikely to come to reality, or do you think there is a real and present danger to the U.S.? Do you think we should be taking more aggressive steps to hinder the North Korean nuclear program?