We've been waiting, and now, to add to the gaiety of nations:
North Korea has carried out a third nuclear test in defiance of United Nations warnings.
The move prompted criticism from its sole major ally, China, and condemnation around the world.
The North Korean news agency said the underground test used a smaller, lighter nuclear device with greater explosive force than before.
Observers say it could take North Korea closer to building a warhead small enough to arm a long-range missile.
The UN Security Council will meet at 14:00 GMT to discuss the test and its ramifications, diplomats say.
NYT...Chico Harlan at the Washington Post.
It's the Iran connection that's the most worrying. There's at least a degree of cold rationality to the North Koreans: they're not about to nuke Seoul, or Tokyo. With the Iranian theocracy, and their terrorist proxies, all bets are off.
Cold rationality! This seems an inappropriate conclusion to make towards a nation run by those who ignore their own citizens starving to death. I feel it entirely possible that NK could employ a nuclear device against SK.
Posted by: Barrry Sheridan | February 13, 2013 at 09:21 AM
They want to survive (the regime, that is). They're well aware that nuking Seoul would definitely not be a smart move. The threat, however...
Posted by: Mick H | February 13, 2013 at 10:07 AM