Some are inclined to suggest that Nk in general and KJU in particular, is stupid. Here's some opinions I've checked out today.
An American Korean (resident in the US) says:
" I'd rather not belittle them by calling them childish or crazy. After all, they have survived sixty years of division and the post-Cold War collapse of the communist bloc. And they still have achieved nuke and space status. To be sure, there are many problems in the country and with the regime, and they partly ask for it with their relatively empty bluster. But belittling them like this helps those who want to keep the country ostracized and isolated, and delay peace and unification ... "
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A web-site that claims it represents the views of north Korean refugees says the current crisis is a consequence of a 'power-play' at the top of the NK political structure. I won't attempt to describe the political division, you can check out the rest of the story if its interests you.
How real are the recent North Korean threats?
March 22, 2013
In recent days, the North Korean military has issued bold and public war threats such as, 'Yeonpyeongdo and Paekryongdo residents leave now!' and 'It is not long before Yeonpyeongdo will turn into a sea of fire.' More than before, there seems a likelihood that these threats are not merely intended as empty threats.
This is because of the domestic power play currently unfolding within North Korea: the power holders currently surrounding Kim Jong-un are probably more desirous of making a tangible impact that appears to destabilize the situation on the peninsula than concerned, at present, with long-term stability. The focus now for these people is how to take command of the situation and consolidate their power. China has agreed to the UN Security Council's sanctions and this is because they, more than anyone else, know about this fight for power that has been unfolding since Kim Jong-il's death.
web-link: http://newfocusintl.com/how-real-are-the-recent-north-korean-threats/
While most news sources in the west suggest that the leader in NK is an absolute dictator, it is very doubtful that any leader in NK could exercise power without the agreement of the military and police. All the stake holders in NK have certain expectations and the 'leader' will have to meet those expectations to retain suppot.
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My Lecturer, ( Leonid Petrov - from last year at Sydney uni) comments:
Quote: "After the 60 years of slow-motion war thinly covered by the 1953 Armistice Agreement, Pyongyang has finally found the courage to call a spade a spade. The ambiguity of current situation is no longer tolerable for North Korea, who is tired of sanctions, double standards, and nuclear bullying. Neither peace nor war, has led to famine, stagnation and isolation of this richest and strategically important part of Northeast Asia. By proclaiming "state of war" with South Korea, Kim Jong-Un simply reminds the world about the unresolved problem inherited from the Cold War era..." unquote.
Officially, the Korean war is not over. Only an Armistice Agreement is in place. The north Koreans complain about this as Leonid points out. Sadly, the west plays political games also. Why can't the UN call for a Peace conference, particularly since NK says the temporary suspension of military action is no longer in place.
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The web-site I cited previously as claiming to represent NK refugees suggests that NK military like these interludes of military tension. They get more food (in that web-site's view) and the more boring and fatigueing chores are also suspended.
QUOTE:
Before his escape from North Korea, Lee Gi-chul served in the KPA as a lieutenant in the 2nd War Training Unit (responsible for guerrilla warfare). He described to us how fellow soldiers looked forward to the time of the annual US-ROK joint military drills: "We had to spend several nights in the field, march long distances at night, and even during rest, keep our boots on and sleep in short bursts. Nevertheless, we were happy because this was about the only time we received regular meals: 800 grams of daily rations. We called it a meal 'above the bowl' because normally, there was so little rice in our bowls that you could see to the bottom before you even started eating."
Kim Hyun-soo used to work in Construction Unit 501. He told us, "Throughout the year, we did hard labor at constructionsites, or had to work on a farm. But during times of war-readiness, the hard labor stopped. All we had to do was turn up to work and wait for orders. When we had to do night shifts in the field, no one took it seriously. Someone would always sneak out a few bottles of alcohol for us to drink at night." Kim Hyun-soo added that soldiers would play card games while on standby.
I should point out that it is difficult to verify any claim made about NK, or even whether a web-site is genuine or not. And the problem is made worse by the tendency of western media to re-gurgitate crap they've previously printed.
