Nuclear outlaw North Korea is attracting more attention after it confronted a “physical response” to war games being played by the U.S. and South Korea this weekend. Earlier this year, North Korea sunk a South Korean warship and also has a nuclear program that are both expected to hurt the North Korean economy.
Military exercises consider ‘grave threat’ to North Korea
This weekend, South Korea and the U.S. have teamed up to do military exercises with about 8,000 individuals which caused the North Korean threats. ”Another example of a hostile policy” against North Korea was what Ri Tong Il, North Korean spokesman, called it, reports CNN. He also thinks these games will hurt the entire Asian region. From July 25 to July 28 the military plans to run the “Invincible Spirit” exercise.
Cheonan sinks – military does exercises
It was already a little stressful being in the Korean region, but the exercises being done by the military are making it a little more stressful. The Associated Press reports the latest threat comes four months after the Cheonan sinking that killed 46 sailors. North Korea is denying playing any part although an investigation shows otherwise. In the face of North Korea’s familiar belligerence, the U.S. has run out of patience, saying any new talks with the North are unlikely within the current standoff.
Shady leaders targeted with North Korean sanctions
Hilary Clinton announced a program that will deny goods and funding to North Korea. The Guardian reports that U.S. sanctions are prepared to block 200 North Korean bank accounts that are allegedly connected to drug trafficking, counterfeiting, and nuclear weapons development. Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg are where there is expected to be a $4 billion slush fund hidden by Kim Jong-il reports the Chosun Ilbo.
Everyone in North Korea is concerned
North Korean leaders are desperate so they continue to threaten the U.S. and South Korea. North Korea is already having problems with a manufacturing slump, U.S. sanctions, a reduction of international aid and poor harvests, reports Voice of America. In the 1960’s, a famine occurred where numerous North Koreans died; you will find concerns of it happening again. More rules and laws would be passed by the North Korean government if a famine like this were to occur.
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CNN
cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/23/north.korea.threat/index.html?npt=NP1
The Guardian
guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/23/north-korea-threatens-physical-response
Voice of America
voanews.com/english/news/Sanctions-Expected-to-Harm-North-Korean-Economy-99090344.html?refresh=1
