North Korea

The major issue for the United States, in terms of foreign policy, this week is North Korea. North Korea recently launched a few missiles (the reported amount differs depending on the State reporting it)that landed in the Sea of Japan. Among those launched, North Korea attempted to launch one long range missile that crashed seconds after launch. The reason this is significant is because the type of long range missile in their capacity has the ability to reach US territory. I believe it was reported that the missile would be able to reach Alaska.

The state that has the most to fear is Japan. Japan is a former imperialist state and some of its neighboring states feel ashamed and angered by the treatment they endured during Japanese occupation, in particular Korea and China. Additionally, North Korea has in the past launched missile over northern Japan and with the newest "avocations," Japan may feel much less secure in its defense system.

Japan reacted by circulating a resolution in the UN Security Council that would impose sanctions on North Korea. The sanctions the Japan is proposing is to bar all states from shipping goods, funds, and material that would aid North Korea in developing its missile and general arsenal. North Korea has said that any such sanctions would amount to a declaration of war and would react in necessary manner to any state that threatens it. Russia and China both have said that they would not support the Japanese resolution; China and Russia have veto power in the Security Council.

US other immediate issue: Israel and Palestine recent conflict, the Iraq occupation and insurrection, Afghanistan issue, Iran's nuclear program, the ranting Chavez in Venezuela, Morales in South America, etc. etc. etc.


Until again, I bid you adieu