North Korea’s provocations seen as tactic to gain U.S. concessions.
Link:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2...een-tactic-gain-u-s-concessions/#.WcgoLrpFzIU
I was thinking North Korea was going to ask the U.S. for concessions, get it, and de-escalate. I no longer think that. North Korea might seek a downsizing or suspension of joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises that it views as rehearsals for an invasion, or the signing of a peace treaty officially ending the 1953 Korean War that could be used as a pretext for demanding the withdrawal of the 28,500 American troops currently in South Korea. It could also ask for money or food aid. No concessions have been asked that I am aware of.
It is North Korean doctrine to never strike first, but I'm having doubts about that. Trump asked Jong Un to stop underground nuclear tests a few months back and he complied - for a few months. Than he did it again. Two missiles (without a warhead) have flown over Japan. Jong Un is now planning a nuclear explosion in the Pacific. I don't think it will be a Hydrogen Bomb but an Atomic Bomb. Whether it is an underwater or atmospheric test, it will have serious consequences. Radiation in the atmosphere and ocean. If he drops an airliner or sinks a ship in the process, war will definitely start.
The U.S. Government does not believe in assassinating political leaders. South Korea or China could do that. Better yet would be someone from Jong Un's own circle doing it. Similar to what happened to Hitler, but failed. The assassin would be dead either way, might as well take out the 'crazy' man before he destroys the country and kills millions of people in the process.
We should have an answer in the next three months...