Monday, April 22, 2013

The North Korean Connection

Seriously, what is Iran up to?

From Strategypage:

Iran confirmed that it is in negotiations to sell North Korea oil. This may be just to grab some media attention but the North Koreans may also be looking for some potential alternative source if their only current oil supplier (China) cuts them off or reduces shipments. The Chinese are not happy with North Korea’s self-destructive policies, especially their nuclear and ballistic missile programs. This oil import deal would never be allowed (by the West) to go forward because the North Koreans are broke and the one thing they do have to sell is a workable atomic bomb design. That could pay for a lot of oil, if Iran could deliver it.

Is this related to this Iranian action in February?

I don't mean to sound paranoid, but after North Korea appears to have managed to blow a nuclear device small enough to mount on a missile--which they've also successfully tested--the Iranians announce the first Pacific journey for their navy since 1979.

Could the Iranians think they can get a nuke all the way back to Iran even if the Iranian navy escorts it?

Or would the Iranians believe it even has to make it as far as Iran to be useful?

Sometimes I think I'm not paranoid enough. After all, it isn't paranoia when they really are out to get you.