07-29-2003, 02:12 AM
... if the tanks got to rolling, the whole situation would degenerate fairly quickly. The UN proved it was willing to step in when the line of outright aggression was crossed, and I'm pretty sure it would do so again.
The UN would denounce it, and the world would line up behind the South Koreans; North Korea is not winning any popularity contests. Military intervention would be inevitable, probably under a US-led UN aegis.
However, the NK would also have nuclear arms to lob around. That would make the whole situation more than a bit spicy. I'm not interested in seeing Los Angeles explode (outside of the movies).
But, as in so many places (as, for instance, in Israel) there's a difference between ending direct, constant military support, and throwing everyone involved to the wolves. Maybe Kim would understand that pulling troops out is different from a cordial invitation to conquer SK.
Even so, maybe it's best not to tempt Kim Jong Il into overreaching. Saddam Hussein, I could guess. Kim, he's just a lunatic. The price of not calling that bluff is permanent military presence, unless a peace can be brokered.
It's tricky. I'd support staying on the lines, and trying to broker peace. Hopefully we make headway sooner or later. I don't think pulling out would be the end of the world, and it might be a harmless payoff. Are we willing to risk it?
Jester
P.S: Does anyone know how to talk accurately about Korea without qualifying every sentence? If so, please enlighten me.
The UN would denounce it, and the world would line up behind the South Koreans; North Korea is not winning any popularity contests. Military intervention would be inevitable, probably under a US-led UN aegis.
However, the NK would also have nuclear arms to lob around. That would make the whole situation more than a bit spicy. I'm not interested in seeing Los Angeles explode (outside of the movies).
But, as in so many places (as, for instance, in Israel) there's a difference between ending direct, constant military support, and throwing everyone involved to the wolves. Maybe Kim would understand that pulling troops out is different from a cordial invitation to conquer SK.
Even so, maybe it's best not to tempt Kim Jong Il into overreaching. Saddam Hussein, I could guess. Kim, he's just a lunatic. The price of not calling that bluff is permanent military presence, unless a peace can be brokered.
It's tricky. I'd support staying on the lines, and trying to broker peace. Hopefully we make headway sooner or later. I don't think pulling out would be the end of the world, and it might be a harmless payoff. Are we willing to risk it?
Jester
P.S: Does anyone know how to talk accurately about Korea without qualifying every sentence? If so, please enlighten me.