North Korea wants to attack the West. Japan is as much a part of the West than any country geographically there. Next stop Hawaii, but, Japan is nearly Hawaii.
By Anthony Sharwood
news.com.au
December 12, 2012
2:17PM
Speaking exclusively to news.com.au, (click here) University of Sydney lecturer Dr Leonid Petrov said North Korea had three main reasons for launching an intercontinental rocket.
"North Korea had promised to launch the rocket between the 10th and 22nd of December, and they have kept that promise," Dr Petrov said.
"These dates are important because it is one year since the death of Kim Jong-il.
"It was extremely important to them to launch this satellite and at this time. The new technology sends a strong signal to the domestic audience that North Korea is still a strong self-reliant economic power.
"The second message they are sending is to the world.
"They are saying that they have advanced rocket technology, and sooner and later will be able to deliver a nuclear payload. Until today they could not deliver it but they have now demonstrated they are one major step forward in the arms race."The third reason North Korea launched the rocket today is strongly related to the other two.
"Basically, Korea has nothing to lose because of the UN sanctions against N Korea which have existed since 1950," Dr Petrov explains.
"All that matters to the [ruling] family is the survival of the regime. A change of regime could happen if there are perceived weaknesses."...
