North Korea has reentered the limelight, as the war-mongering military nation poses a “serious threat” to the United States, according to Leon Panetta. Panetta even likened North Korea to Iran, describing both countries as “rogue states.”
Mr. Panetta’s assertions arrive after a third nuclear test, which the UN Security Council “strongly condemned.”
The council said it would begin work on measures against North Korea, after UN chief Ban Ki-moon said the test was a “clear and grave violation”. Earlier, Pyongyang said “even stronger” action might follow, saying its test was a response to US “hostility”.
North Korea warned the US in advance that it intended to conduct a nuclear test, the state department said, but did not say when it would happen.
Meanwhile, Obama conversed with his South Korean ally Lee Myung-bak to plan a response to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. The president “reaffirmed” the U.S. defense commitment to South Korea, “including the extended deterrence offered by the US nuclear umbrella.”
Cold War Part II?
