General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'm going to be in the minority here re NK but... [View all]NBachers
(17,098 posts)A way needs to be found to stop or slow development of his missile capabilities. Here are some ways:
1. The cleanest sabotage is to virus the computers they use to design, develop, launch, or guide. Think Stuxnet in Iran.
2. The next cleanest way is through monkeywrenching or pinpoint sabotage. This means physical activity by people actually in North Korea. Who does this- NK dissidents? South Koreans? Chinese? American Special Forces? North Korean isolation, security, paranoia, and our lack of knowledge makes this probably next to impossible.
3. We can do pinpoint military attacks on strategic locations, but the response by North Korea would probably mean all hell would break loose. If it was done without China's consent, it would be even worse. This really isn't much of an option either.
4. Try to get Un eliminated in a way that looks like a health issue. Is his sister a possible "opening up" prospect, if she replaced him? A coherent plan would need to be in place to prevent a worsening-power vacuum disintegration like we've seen in the Middle East.
4. An alliance of nations in the neighborhood - China, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, whoever. Discussions on how to apply the carrot or the stick approach. Connections with other nations with intelligence and procedural experience.
5. China, as NK's neighbor and trading partner, would have to be the most significant partner. They have the most influence in North Korea. No operations can be conducted without China's consent or participation.
6. During the Clinton Administration, we saw slight softening of relations with North Korea due to our massive food shipments during their famine. China, South Korea, and many other nations participated, through the United Nations. George Bush cut way back on our food-aid, and an opportunity may have been lost. Food & trade negotiations may or may not be possible with Un. China, once again, would have to be the primary initiator and negotiator with North Korea. Trump & Co.'s massive assholeness is sabotaging this for the world. They are intentionally eliminating options so they can have their Fun War!
The woman I know was born before the Cultural Revolution, and felt the full brunt of it's retribution. She sees North Korea as what China was in her past. She says that Chinese leadership that opened China economically and socially have enabled the transformation we see there. She believes that, if similar leadership can be moved up in North Korea, they could have a similar outcome. Without the bombs.