North Korea’s most recent missile test has rattled military experts, some of whom are warning that the United States is now within striking distance.
The embers of America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan haven’t cooled yet. According to Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), however, America’s next war may already be on the horizon. Speaking with CNN, Graham stated that America would go to war with North Korea if it had to. He further elaborated:
“If there’s a war with North Korea it will be because North Korea brought it on itself, and we’re headed to a war if things don’t change.”
Graham’s stark remarks came after North Korea launched yet another ICBM. The most recent test demonstrated an advance in North Korea’s missile technology. The missile flew higher and farther than previous tests. North Korea claims the missile could strike any American target. The veracity of that claim remains unknown, but many experts are warning that North Korea’s weapons technologies are advancing quickly.
North Korea is believed to have already developed nuclear weapons, It remains unclear if the weapon has been miniaturized enough to be mounted on a weapon. Regardless, it may only be a matter of time before North Korea is able to do so.
Following the weapons test, Secretary of Defense James Mattis paid heed to these analyses. Speaking at the White House, Mattis arguing that North Korea now possesses the capability to strike anywhere in the world. While North Korea’s missile technology has advanced dramatically over the last few years, its ability to directly strike the United States has been in doubt. While the missile splashed down near Japan, the demonstration suggests that North Korea could be closing in on strike capability.
The most recent test represents a sharp increase in North Korea’s weapons technology. The country has had the basic technology in hand for some years but has struggled to put everything together. However, North Korea appears to have figured things out. Mattis went on to state:
“The bottom line is, it’s a continued effort to build a threat — a ballistic missile threat that endangers world peace, regional peace and certainly the United States
Speaking alongside Mattis, President Donald Trump restrained his rhetoric. In the past, President Trump had threatened North Korea with “fire and fury”. This time around, Trump simply promised to “take care of it”, and that North Korea “is a situation that we will handle.”
Trump’s more cautious approach was echoed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who condemned the missile launch but also stated that diplomacy was still on the table. Tillerson highlighted America’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. However, Tillerson also announced that the UN Command, which provides support to South Korea, would convene to discuss options. Besides the United States, Canada and various other countries still contribute.
North Korea’s most recent missile test could be seen as a slap in the face to China. Whether China will ramp up genuine pressure remains to be seen.
The UN Command will consider further actions against North Korea. While North Korea likely cannot launch a full-scale attack against the United States, the country could bombard South Korea. Even without using nukes, North Korea would likely be able to inflict massive harm on South Korea with the use of chemical weapons. The South Korean megacity of Seoul sits only 35 miles from the DMZ, the front line of a war that is technically on-going.
China has thus far remained mum on the situation. However, China has been trying to rein in North Korea to little effect. North Korea’s most recent missile test could be seen as a slap in the face to China. Whether China will ramp up genuine pressure remains to be seen.
