The last regime of Stalinist origin is on the brink of calamity. But the actions of North Korea do not actually make sense, do they?
Last week a report was released which squared the blame for the sinking of a South Korean warship on the shoulders of the North Korean regime. The incident killed 46 sailors and is the worst naval tragedy in the history of South Korea. The evidence seems compelling, the reasons for the ‘attack’, well, your guess is as good as mine.
What has resulted since the release of the report has been constant and incessant posturing and growling from both the North and the South. The international community (with the exception of a few – i.e. China) has rushed to the defence of the South, screaming ‘Repent’ at North Korea.
Yesterday, the situation escalated when South Korea proceeded on a military activity of firing its war guns and dropping submarine bombs, 링크 in almost a blatant display of force. North Korea was more than happy to play ball. Their reaction was swift and decisive. On its state operated news station, North Korea announced that it has scrap the accords and armistice that has semi – governed its actions for the past 60 years. Furthermore, if South Korea should feel the urge to take a swim into any of the disputed waters, ‘prompt physical action’ will result! Seoul has already slashed trade and co-operation to the already economically suffering North. This, along with the economic sanctions of the United Nations, have had little effect on a state that embodies the very notion of isolation.
If the hypocrisy of the west could not be clearer, it is now, when Gen Walter Sharp, chief of the 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korean, announced that ‘North Korea [should] cease all acts of provocation and to live up with the terms of past agreements, including the armistice agreement’. The South and the North are no different to the kids in the back of the car on a hot Saturday afternoon. Both of them kick, scream, pinch and bite, and both equally to blame for any harm that results. The South have condemned, and protested against the North. The North merely defended their position. ‘But the North sunk the Cheonan’ I hear you cry. Did they?
If we all just pause for a second, take our fingers off the trigger and use that cranium that should so empower us in times of crisis, we should recognise that this whole situation makes as much sense as a drunken hippie on cocaine.