North Korea

North Korea defied international pressure and fired a rocket over Japan into the Pacific Ocean.
The rocket itself is not an act of war or even close to it, but it represents the capacity to deliver a strike to Japan. Combined with the nuclear capabilities of North Korea the implications are obvious and the specter of Hiroshima rise again. The immediate course of action is diplomatic, such as evoking treaties and agreements before the United Nations and the UN Security Council.

It is hard to see the immediate gains for North Korea. However the country reaped millions in oil reserves and cash in exchange for promises to abandon nuclear weaponry following a 1994 multinational agreement. The lack of economic ties reduces the ability of North Korea to yield international investment, so speculation abound that the nation seeks another international effort to reap cash for promises of peace. The surrounding nations and especially Japan, have a vested interest in assuring peace. The question is at what cost and how long until another threat emerges.

Despite Bush's "Axis of Evil" remarks, North Korea poses no real military threat to the United States. Of course it threatens allies and international economies should warfare break out and/or disrupt the Japanese economy. These pressures are less compelling than before, given the presiding credit crunch affecting the economy. Hopefully this means leaders will take the posturing of a small nation for what it is, a cry for help, instead of a credible threat.