Did he or didn’t he?

by Cat on October 9, 2006

Well as almost everyone already knows, North Korea claims to have conducted a successful test of a nuclear weapon early this morning.

I don’t have much to say that isn’t said better by others more in the know. But, I thought it needed mentioning, just in case anyone thought I’d just stuck my head in the ground.

Here’s what we know so far:

  • Korean and U.S. geologists have confirmed seismic activity consistent with a nuclear test near a site in northern North Korea near the Chinese border.
  • The U.S. is still working on independent confirmation that what blew up was indeed a nuke and not just a whole lot of conventional bombs shoved in a cave, but it looks like it’s for real.
  • Everyone seems to be waiting to see how the U.S. and China will react, but no one thinks either superpower is in the mood to deal with the consequences of a DPRK regime change any time soon, so bets on a military strike don’t have many takers.
  • The South Korean government is talking tough, but we’ll see how long that lasts. So far, they’ve put the military on higher alert and taken the predictable step of “suspending” a current aid shipment.

I’m taking the advice offered over at The Marmot’s Hole, to not panic and watch the news. I will take the bold step of proclaiming that any tentative plans our household might have been making to do the RASKB Mt. Kumgangsan trip are definitely toast at this point.

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{ 6 comments }

1

TN Aunt 10.10.06 at 1:46 am

Hi,
I just want you to know we love you and pray you stay safe. I know I am over reacting, but that’s my nature.

2

Cat 10.10.06 at 7:56 am

Thank you. We are fine. There is really nothing to be concerned about yet. The embassy sent out an update this morning that they are monitoring the situation and there is no cause for alarm as yet.

3

Kay 10.10.06 at 9:22 am

Man, I just can’t imagine living in that part of the world right now. Hang in there. We’re thinking of ya.

4

MigukNamja 10.10.06 at 5:51 pm

I don’t think it’s as bad as the (U.S.) media is making it out to be. I’ve had a few conservations with my (Korean) friends about it, and none of them are concerned about impending doom. Life carries on as normal here.

But, it has to. Otherwise, I don’t know how the 11th or 12th (depending upon what currency is used to measure) largest economy in the world could carry on if everyone lived in fear every day of our nasty and extremely rude neighbor to the north, Kim Jong Il.

My personal opinion is that this is Kim Jong Il’s official protest and party crasher of Ban being chosen as the next U.N. President. Kim Jong Il has always been insanely jealous of South Korea’s achievements.

5

Your Brother 10.10.06 at 10:23 pm

Uh by the time there is “something to be concerned about” it’s too late. This is retarded. You don’t have to come home, but how about you go SOMEWHERE ELSE!?! It doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to know that when the crazy folks get nukes, it’s time to pack it up. I know this will fall on deaf ears, but I had to say it.

6

Rose Byrd 10.15.06 at 6:34 am

Cat, you and our dear David have prayers from dozens here in NW Alabama–and across the U.S.–every hour over every day. I personally believe fervently that God has you there at this time for specific reasons, which may be totally unknown to all of us at this point in time, which is absolutely o.k, because The Big Guy is in charge. This is what I believe.

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