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Sunday, August 05, 2007

Paying a Visit

Given that Kim has downgraded the army, is he worried about their loyalty?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has visited military bases for four straight days, an unusual frequency that has prompted speculation he may be about to make a decision regarding the country's disputed nuclear program.


Hasn't he decided to shut down the reactor? Is there more?

Or is he just getting a handle on the mood of his army?

Or are the two related? If Kim has truly decided to get rid of his nukes, he can't rely on nukes and spooks to maintain his regime. He'll need spooks and troops.

But I seriously doubt if the army is capable of being a pillar of his regime any more. They may be too far gone barring a massive infusion of money.

UPDATE: I find it hard to believe that the North Koreans think they could win any war with South Korea and America. But why have the North Koreans opted at this time for a little gun play?

North Korean soldiers fired several shots toward a South Korean guard post in the eastern part of the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean Peninsula. South Korean soldiers immediately returned fire, a statement said.

If the North Koreans think that peace will doom them and even our promised aid won't save them, I suppose even a snowball's chancein Hell with a military gamble has internal logic going for it.

Why is Kim spending so much time with his generals? At this time?