The Korean Peninsula Conflict

[Zeran]

after this latest provocation by north korea (assuming they are actually guilty of attacking the south), what should happen now as a consequence? are south korea and their allies responding the right way? what will come of this?

more generally speaking, can the two ever be united? if so, can it be done peacefully? what would happen if they were to reunite, considering the vast political, economic, and societal differences between the two at this point?

i personally think that the way south korea, japan, usa, etc. have reacted and have been reacting is the right way to go. china will never outright condemn the north, for obvious reasons, but when the north is belligerent, sanctions on their trade will only hinder them. i feel like north korea is a paper tiger, and they're not truly willing to engage in a war, because though they may put up a good fight and many people will die, they will almost surely lose.

what are ways forward on this conflict that's been going on for 60 years?

thoughts?

[bridgeofeldin]

US troops have been stationed in Seoul for a long time to prevent the North from attacking. Seoul is only like an hour and a half from the border. North Korea has easily an army of more than a million, and could quite possibly take the city in a blitzkrieg. It's kind of scary to be honest.

If Kim Jong Il passes away soon, there could be an issue as to who would succeed him. Hopefully a reformer will replace him, but I've heard his son is worse. Under the current regime, no unification or real peace will be made (the two sides are technically still at war because they've only signed a cease fire). Cross your fingers and hope for the best. and hope they don't play each other in the world cup!!

[Machu505]

If South Korea is invaded or attacked, the US should use everything in its power (barring nuclear weapons) to defend them. This situation is not comparable to Israel/Palestine or Iraq/Kuwait. North Korea's insurmountably oppresive government cannot be allowed to attack its southern neighbor unprovoked and not expect consequences.

Until that day comes, however, the two ought to be left to deal with this themselves.

[Mibabalou]

http://unprofessionalfoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Park_Ji-Sung_633570912490156250.jpg

noooo!!!

[konvalbr]

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