No Regrets

Sometimes, in the face of South Korean refusal to confront the North Korean nuclear threat, I'v felt a little guilty for noting that if any confrontation gets out of control, our South Korean friends will suffer if North Korea lashes out while we and Japan will likely be able to shoot down any missiles heading our way.

Of course, I've noted that the South Koreans have a similar attitude toward North Korean nuclear missiles that can reach beyond South Korea or North Korean weapons sold to the highest bidder.

Strategypage reminds me again that I don't need to feel guilty:

South Korea, for fear of upsetting the north, has refused to participate in PSI (Proliferation Security Initiative). So far 16 nations have joined PSI, which set up a communications network between naval forces and holds drills covering stopping and searching ships thought to be carrying weapons of mass destruction, components or delivery systems. Another 60 nations have expressed interest in PSI, but not South Korea.

Not that I blame Seoul. But they can hardly get too huffy as we look to our own interests. It is hardly reasonable for us to paint the target grid on our cities so South Korea's can avoid them.