North Korea - The next war?

The above link will take you to the article in the Australian paper. The up coming round of talks with this highly volatile regime is about to commence. Only is this round just a step in a what is increasingly becoming a justification to going to war? Kim Jong Ill is not about to stop his countries nuclear program. Washington and now even China are very concerned.

Chinas pronouncement that N. Korea is

"The important meeting of the central committee of the Communist Party three months ago proclaimed that a nuclear North Korea was a formidable challenge to China's "core interests" - a phrase previously used only about Taiwan independence."

Is telling in the most severe way. China has made a misstep in it balancing act of keeping the west at bay. Their catspaw has now become a dagger at their throat as well. With the threat of losing power and influence in Asia as a result. Something Beijing is not going to accept with good grace.

At the end of the day will China accept their catspaw now having some real muscle? Knowing that Kim Jong Ill has the chance to use nuclear toys. It really is more than rhetoric with Kim and Beijing know that fact as well. So it really is not a if question. It becomes a when and where question. The only other question would be how near the US will Kim strike? Or would it be China?

Thats where Beijing worries the most. If N. Korea strikes a Asian target. Asia as a whole will hold China responsible. Even if that target is South Korea. Remember that the Korean war is still active. It is in a perpetual cease fire. The war can resume at any time, in theory. So is Kim Jong Ill looking to restart the war his father left? that is a very good question.

However I think he is really is making a desperate move to keep what is increasingly unstable condition at home. Yes, he is still very much in charge, but for how long? Even a people who have existed under the iron fisted regime like North Korea have revolted. Something that Kim Jong Ill is very aware of. South Korea must look real inviting to a lot of his citizens. China with its own booming economy must look like almost paradise. The rumors that Asia as a whole is making money and doing well has to be worrying the Leader of North Korea.

In a fit of madness North Korea has decided to pursue this march to war. Believing that the US will not attack or even retaliate at this time. My thinking is the Kim will attend this six party meeting if for no other reason than to buy him more time. Knowing that our elections are only two years away and a new US Administration will be in the White House. A new Administration that might not be so willing to go to war.

That decision may not be Washington's to make. Rather it might be Beijing.