North Korea Threatens to Wipe the U.S. off the Map

[The_Prince]

North Korea accused Washington of seeking to "provoke a second Korean War" as the regime prepared to hold maritime military exercises off the eastern coast.

U.S. and regional authorities were watching closely for signs that North Korea might fire short- or mid-range missiles during the June 25 to July 10 timeframe cited in a no-sail ban for military drills sent to Japan's Coast Guard.

North Korea had warned previously it would fire a long-range missile as a response to U.N. Security Council condemnation of an April rocket launch seen as a cover for its ballistic missile technology.

An underground nuclear test last month drew more Security Council action: a resolution seeking to clamp down on North Korea's trading of banned arms and weapons-related material by requiring U.N. member states to request inspections of ships carrying suspected cargo.

In a first test of the new resolution, a North Korean ship suspected of transporting illicit weapons was sailing off China's coast with a U.S. destroyer close behind.

The Kang Nam, which left the North Korean port of Nampo a week ago, is believed bound for Myanmar, South Korean and U.S. officials said.

A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was unable to discuss intelligence on the vessel, said Wednesday that the ship had already cleared the Taiwan Strait.

He said he didn't know how much range the Kang Nam has — that is, whether or when it may need to stop in some port to refuel — but that the Kang Nam has in the past stopped in Hong Kong's port.

North Korea has said it would consider interception a declaration of war, and on Wednesday accused the U.S. of seeking to start another Korean War.

"If the U.S. imperialists start another war, the army and people of Korea will ... wipe out the aggressors on the globe once and for all," a dispatch from the official Korean Central News Agency said.

The warning came on the eve of the 59th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. The brutal fighting ended after three years in a truce in 1953, not a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula divided and in a state of war. The U.S. has 28,500 troops in South Korea to protect against an outbreak of hostilities.

On Wednesday, the top U.S. commander in South Korea, Gen. Walter Sharp, praised soldiers from U.S.-led U.N. forces who died fighting the "tyranny" of communist North Korea decades ago.

"A North Korean victory in the Korean War would have brought the nightmare of tyranny to this great land, thrusting the citizens of the Republic of Korea into a darkness that their northern counterparts have yet to emerge from," he said a commemoration ceremony Wednesday, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.

Reports about possible missile launches from the North highlighted the state of tension on the Korean peninsula.

A senior South Korean government official said the no-sail ban is believed connected to North Korean plans to fire short- or mid-range missiles. He spoke on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

Yonhap reported that the North may fire a Scud missile with a range of up to 310 miles (500 kilometers) or a short-range ground-to-ship missile with a range of 100 miles (160 kilometers) during the no-sail period.

U.S. defense and counterproliferation officials in Washington said they also expected the North to launch short- to medium-range missiles. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence.

South Korea will expedite the introduction of high-tech unmanned aerial surveillance systems and "bunker-buster" bombs in response to North Korea's provocations, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper said, citing lawmakers.

Meanwhile, a flurry of diplomatic efforts were under way to try getting North Korea to return to disarmament talks.

Russia's top nuclear envoy, Alexei Borodavkin, said after meeting with his South Korean counterpart that Moscow is open to other formats for discussion since Pyongyang has pulled out of formal six-nation negotiations.

In Beijing, top U.S. and Chinese defense officials also discussed North Korea. U.S. Defense Undersecretary Michele Flournoy was heading next to Tokyo and Seoul for talks.

South Korea has proposed high-level "consultations" to discuss North Korea with the U.S., Russia, China and Japan.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_koreas_nuclear

[aadil77]

tough words, I doubt its possible as the U.S must have like a million missile defence systems set up around to counter this kind of stuff. I also doubt that north korea will have enough wmd's anyway

[crayon]

What is up with countries wanting to wipe other countries off the map? Seriously now, people need to get over their power trips, and try to peacefully coexist rather than eliminate all opposition.

[Banu_Hashim]

Lets be honest North Korea isn't going to wipe America off the map any time soon. It's countries like these whose eyes are bigger than their stomachs.

Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.

When you create an account, you can participate in the discussions and share your thoughts. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and make new friends.
Sign Up

[AntiKarateKid]

They should be more subtle and give Mexico and Canada arms so that they can make settlements on US soil, eventually using military force to get rid of all Americans and denying their right to return to the land. :rollseyes

Anyways. The US is the only country ever to have used a nuke. Noone is going to be wiping it off the map... anytime soon. Maybe China when it gets more powerful but not NK.

[Grace Seeker]

So, there seems to be agreement that North Korea is posturing and not going to wipe the USA off the map. But what should the USA do if North Korea does actually launch a missile at the USA (or anyone else for that matter)? I'm curious what the non-Americans here think would be an appropriate response?

[Zafran]

So, there seems to be agreement that North Korea is posturing and not going to wipe the USA off the map. But what should the USA do if North Korea does actually launch a missile at the USA (or anyone else for that matter)? I'm curious what the non-Americans here think would be an appropriate response?

Go to the UN and call for action through the international law - rather then fighting an illiegal war like Iraq or terrorizing innocent civilains like North Korea would be doing.

[Zafran]

They should be more subtle and give Mexico and Canada arms so that they can make settlements on US soil, eventually using military force to get rid of all Americans and denying their right to return to the land. :rollseyes

Anyways. The US is the only country ever to have used a nuke. Noone is going to be wiping it off the map... anytime soon. Maybe China when it gets more powerful but not NK.

China wouldnt be able to do that because over trillions of dollers of China's wealth is tied up in the US economy.

[Grace Seeker]

Go to the UN and call for action through the international law - rather then fighting an illiegal war like Iraq or terrorizing innocent civilains like North Korea would be doing.

So, you think that if the US responded militarily to a direct act by North Korea against the US that doing so would be a violation of international law?

[Zafran]

So, you think that if the US responded militarily to a direct act by North Korea against the US that doing so would be a violation of international law?

Lets just say you went in Iraq - which became a mess.
You went in Afghanistan which became a mess.
we dont want another mess.

what would you say if Iraq wanted to bomb the US becasue the US attacked them - would you like that? would that be fair?

[Grace Seeker]

Lets just say you went in Iraq - which became a mess.
You went in Afghanistan which became a mess.
we dont want another mess.

what would you say if Iraq wanted to bomb the US becasue the US attacked them - would you like that? would that be fair?

I wouldn't like it any more than you would like it if Iraq were to attack England. Would it be fair? I rarely experience fairness as operational during war. I thoroughly expected an attempt by Hussein at the time, and am surprised that nothing happened.

As far as Afghanistan goes, my understanding is that that was done in accordance with international law.

Perhaps my memory is slipping, but that doesn't excuse your dodge of my question: Do you think that if the US responded militarily to a direct act by North Korea against the US that doing so would be a violation of international law?

[Zafran]

I wouldn't like it any more than you would like it if Iraq were to attack England. Would it be fair? I thoroughly expected an attempt by Hussein at the time, and am surprised that nothing happened.

As far as Afghanistan goes, my understanding is that that was done in accordance with international law.

Perhaps my memory is slipping, but that doesn't excuse your dodge of my question: Do you think that if the US responded militarily to a direct act by North Korea against the US that doing so would be a violation of international law?

well we are in a war with Iraq - thats what US AND UK did to Iraq - why cant Iraq do the same thing? dont you think thats hypocricy?

But you failed to find Bin Laden which was the whole point

thats why i said

Go to the UN and call for action through the international law

If they want you to attack go for it - go - If they dont - dont - but like america i dont think you would care anyway.

ps - its well known that Bush lied about the WMDs. It was also the weakest nation in the region and stopped its nuclear programe years ago. Before the 1990 war.

[Grace Seeker]

OK. That's one point of view. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Are there other non-Americans who might care to also respond, please:

There seems to be agreement that North Korea is posturing and not going to wipe the USA off the map. But what should the USA do if North Korea does actually launch a missile at the USA (or anyone else for that matter)? I'm curious what the non-Americans here think would be an appropriate response?


If North Korea were to attack your country, what would you want your country to do?

[Joe98]

If North Korea attacks South Korea, Soth Korea will retaliate without consulting anybody.

If North korea attacks Japan, Japan will retaliate without consulting anybody.

And both countries would ask friendly countries to come and help.

And that would be the end of North Korea.

-

[north_malaysian]

If North Korea attacks South Korea, Soth Korea will retaliate without consulting anybody.

If North korea attacks Japan, Japan will retaliate without consulting anybody.

And both countries would ask friendly countries to come and help.

And that would be the end of North Korea.

-

count my country in...

[greenshirt]

north korea is far different from iraq or afghanistan. in iraq and afghanistan, there are many very devout muslims willing to give their lives. and a good minority, even majority in some areas, support these people and see them as hero's. not only that, but a lot of people fighting in iraq aren't even from iraq. they are from neighboring countries. likewise, in afghanistan(especially many from pakistan.)

north korea to the contrary is very isolated. china has had its problems with them(many immigration issues), south korea is totally different and the people support america more than north korea, russia is a rather mute country and they wouldnt do anything militarily to stop any war or take sides, japan is as much concerned as america is about north korea, etc etc.

if north korea launches a missile at the USA, or any nation for that matter, with the purpose of destroying lives, then the USA has every right to defend themselves and launch a war. hopefully they would do a full fledged air invasion, destroying military bases and government places and then hope it will deter north korea from doing anything else stupid. then, the USA should consult with the UN on any further action. of course troops should be stationed at the border in south korea, because we all know that south korea is vulnerable for an attack.

if north korea did something like this, then it would be much different than what the USA did in iraq and afghanistan. afghanistan firstly did nothing to the USA; and in fact the USA supported militants when they were fighting the soviets. osama bin laden did, but not the afghani government. iraq is different too because they never attempted to do anything like this. not only that, but the UN was already in iraq searching for WMD's.

if north korea attempted to launch a missile at innocents, than they would be guilty for actually carrying out such an action. there would be no excuse. the USA would not only have a right to defend itself, but an obligation. of course, the UN must play a heavy part in all this too, much more than they did in iraq and afghanistan because we need to make sure no breaches in international law occur, and of course we dont want the USA to take maximum measures; any measures(military-wise) should be minimal just to ensure NK doesnt do it again and that they compensate somehow for their actions(the easiest way would be to overthrow their crazy leaders.)

but i am not an expert in all this. this is all purely hypothetical. perhaps a full-fledged air invasion would not be the best way. i cant really say, just saying what i would do with my very limited knowledge i have on NK and all.

however, i think the most important question we can ask right now is not what the USA should hypothetically do if something like this were to happen. rather, the question is what diplomatic means can the USA implement to stop NK from saying all this rhetoric in the first place.

by the way i am an american citizen but ethnically albanian and born in albania. i am also a revert to islam, alhumdullillah

[Tilmeez]

To destroy US it’s not necessary to attack her directly. US, in pride of strength or what soever, has deployed her Armies around the globe. At this point we may not speak of the purpose of these deployments as only Bush/Obama or top officials know it the best. For NK US troops in South Korea can be easy targets. US Air Craft Carriers or any other establishments near to NK can be an easy target to shock US.
Wipe a country off the Map is not possible otherwise Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan would be stories of the past.
I am sorry but I think US deserve a good lesson on how to use power for well being of mankind. And who knows NK or Iran may do this, someday!

[greenshirt]

To destroy US it’s not necessary to attack her directly. US, in pride of strength or what soever, has deployed her Armies around the globe. At this point we may not speak of the purpose of these deployments as only Bush/Obama or top officials know it the best. For NK US troops in South Korea can be easy targets. US Air Craft Carriers or any other establishments near to NK can be an easy target to shock US.
Wipe a country off the Map is not possible otherwise Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan would be stories of the past.
I am sorry but I think US deserve a good lesson on how to use power for well being of mankind. And who knows NK or Iran may do this, someday!

has the USA not already learned its lesson on iraq? come on, we've got a president who doesn't support the war and a congress with the majority of people not supporting it either. we have the majority of people recognizing it was a mistake.

and if someone SHOULD teach a lesson to the USA, it should be someone who has been unjustly affected by the USA. north korea has not been unjustly treated by the USA.

[Tilmeez]

has the USA not already learned its lesson on iraq? come on, we've got a president who doesn't support the war and a congress with the majority of people not supporting it either. we have the majority of people recognizing it was a mistake.

and if someone SHOULD teach a lesson to the USA, it should be someone who has been unjustly affected by the USA. north korea has not been unjustly treated by the USA.

I am sorry brother but i do not agree. Obama not only continue but stricken the policies on Afghanistan. And only Obama can not clean the S*** Bush and company has made.

if north korea attempted to launch a missile at innocents

Are only US citizens innocent? What about poor Afghans and Iraqi people? Think about a family who’s only provider is out for earning something to eat for whole family and then in the evening he comes in pieces. You have not seen children with halves of there bodies torn apart. You have not seen ladies… leave it man. I have personally seen these people in Afghan refugee camps and they live a worst life than an American can think.

[greenshirt]

I am sorry brother but i do not agree. Obama not only continue but stricken the policies on Afghanistan. And only Obama can not clean the S*** Bush and company has made.

on afghanistan yes and perhaps the USA needs a lesson on that. but on iraq the USA has learned. t

Are only US citizens innocent? What about poor Afghans and Iraqi people? Think about a family who’s only provider is out for earning something to eat for whole family and then in the evening he comes in pieces. You have not seen children with halves of there bodies torn apart. You have not seen ladies… leave it man. I have personally seen these people in Afghan refugee camps and they live a worst life than an American can think.

i understand, and what the US military has done is disgusting and unacceptable. but what you are mentioning is not about north korea, it is about iraq and afghanistan, two different issues altogether. im sorry but i dont want to see anyone innocent(regardless of creed, race, gender, ethnicity, etc) be injured and hurt in such ways.

[Tilmeez]

Jazzakallah o Khairan for understanding.
Right now I am in office and normally avoid posting as it takes me away from work which normally i can't afford.

Ma'asalama

[Grace Seeker]

What about poor Afghans and Iraqi people? Think about a family who’s only provider is out for earning something to eat for whole family and then in the evening he comes in pieces. You have not seen children with halves of there bodies torn apart. You have not seen ladies… leave it man. I have personally seen these people in Afghan refugee camps and they live a worst life than an American can think

What I hear you saying is that the conditions of Afghans and Iraqi people are already sufficient justification for North Korea to launch a missile at the USA. Is that actually what you intended to say?

[Tilmeez]

What I hear you saying is that the conditions of Afghans and Iraqi people are already sufficient justification for North Korea to launch a missile at the USA. Is that actually what you intended to say?

NO!
I meant US herself is making enemies whereas she was supposed to make friends with the same money, or far lesser than that, she is spending on making enemies.

Obama is mainly change of face no or avoidable change in policies. This of course won't help US.

[Grace Seeker]

NO!
I meant US herself is making enemies whereas she was supposed to make friends with the same money, or far lesser than that, she is spending on making enemies.

Obama is mainly change of face no or avoidable change in policies. This of course won't help US.

Ah, so you were making a new comment independent of my question as to what the US should do if attacked. Gotcha.

[Tilmeez]

Ah, so you were making a new comment independent of my question as to what the US should do if attacked. Gotcha.

Just leaving a note.
How many times US has asked for suggestions before invading any conuntry? Or how many suggestions she has taken into consideration? :X

[Grace Seeker]

Just leaving a note.
How many times US has asked for suggestions before invading any conuntry? Or how many suggestions she has taken into consideration? :X

Actually, outside of Iraq I can't think of a time when the US acted unilaterally. Either we were ourselves attacked (or felt the threat of imminent attack), we were invited in/requested to come to someone's aid, or we did so in cooperation/consultation with other countries. That's not to say that we have always been in the right, but I would rather have our record than that of most other nations. Certainly it is preferable to that of North Korea -- which is the focus here, why do you so strongly want to switch it to the US?

[Tilmeez]

why do you so strongly want to switch it to the US?

I don't have a reason or can't express it in right way. I have been very active in my university days for Afghanistan, especially.

Watching blood on TV or in picture is something very else than watching it actually all around you.
I am a top class hunter and I hunt every thing from birds to rabbits and pigs (not for eating but for the reason they distroy our crops) but their blood never made me feel anything etc but watching human blood and standing to it is most difficult thing.

I love my daughters and I understand their feeling about me - their dad. Millions of Afghan girls have not seen their dads even in pictures :'(. What is use of such a life.

Some 9 months back my dad died I miss him as my father but I badly miss him as grandfather of my daughters.

do i sound load and clear? I can continue with hundred of such things which are my own experience.

I will try not posting on this thread. This hurts me, beleive you me! :"(

[Grace Seeker]

Tilmeez, it is good to tell your story. Often I find that it is the personal stories, not the overarching ones seen on the news, but those that involve individuals that help us to connect with how national politics impact daily human life. May your daughters have their father till you reach a ripe old age.

[Blackpool]

So, there seems to be agreement that North Korea is posturing and not going to wipe the USA off the map. But what should the USA do if North Korea does actually launch a missile at the USA (or anyone else for that matter)? I'm curious what the non-Americans here think would be an appropriate response?

Tit for tat. My response would be even more disastrous. Our nuclear weapons are supposed to be deterrents but the nuclear weapons would be launched against any country that fires a nuke to any of our lands without a doubt. Whoever starts it is thick as pig turd. You do not mess with a technologically advanced country that has enough ammo to wipe out their country again, again, again, again....

[Aardvark]

I doubt that NK would launch any nukes against the USA. Their missle program does not seem to have the Quantity needed nor the Accuracy and range to do any significant damage.

However, I would not put it past them to launch them against Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea or Japan and then shout they will continue the attacks until those countries join in the attack against the USA.

[GuestFellow]

OK. That's one point of view. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Are there other non-Americans who might care to also respond, please:

There seems to be agreement that North Korea is posturing and not going to wipe the USA off the map. But what should the USA do if North Korea does actually launch a missile at the USA (or anyone else for that matter)? I'm curious what the non-Americans here think would be an appropriate response?


If North Korea were to attack your country, what would you want your country to do?

I would firstly like to state, America and North Korea both should need to settle down and negotiate. Both sides need to come up with an agreement. We have enough bloodshed as it is. We do not need another war.

If North Korea were to attack America first, then America has every right to defend itself.

[ardianto]

Actually, wipe the U.S. off the map is easy. Just print a new map without U.S.
But wipe the U.S. off the earth is nearly impossible. North Korea has not enough nuclear misile for attack U.S. I think Kim Jong Il must sleep again and countinue his dream.

However, I would not put it past them to launch them against Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea or Japan and then shout they will continue the attacks until those countries join in the attack against the USA.

What is launch them ? launch nuclear misile ?.
North Korea has no reason for attack Indonesia. Indonesia is not their enemy.
Maybe tomorow I must ask some Indonesian singer, artists and parliament member. What was their experience when they visited North Korea ?.

[The_Prince]

I doubt that NK would launch any nukes against the USA. Their missle program does not seem to have the Quantity needed nor the Accuracy and range to do any significant damage.

However, I would not put it past them to launch them against Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea or Japan and then shout they will continue the attacks until those countries join in the attack against the USA.

why would anyone want to attack indonesia and malaysia, they hardly ever make problems for other countries.

[GuestFellow]

However, I would not put it past them to launch them against Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea or Japan and then shout they will continue the attacks until those countries join in the attack against the USA.

Evidence for these claims?