North Korea has ratified a nuclear retaliation

[OwlHoot]

The [North] Koreans are attempting to provoke a US led invasion so that their country can be saved without the ruling elite losing face.

Or perhaps the US have decided to stop bankrolling the blackmailing rogues, and now expect China to play a bigger part as they're right next door (and claim Korea), and are flush with cash. But as a result the North Koreans are throwing their toys out of their pram.

But OTOH, would the US really want the Chinese closer to South Korea, or increasing their influence on North and South generally?

[centurian]

Nor is it independent. Trident cannot be launched without the express permission of the US who also hold the launch codes.

Bollocks - we can't maintain an independent nuclear deterrent for any period of time, as the missiles need to be regularly serviced (in the US). But once the boats go out to sea - the captain can launch, in theory without any direct instruction, given each Vanguard class sub has a hand written letter from the PM to be opened in case the UK government is wiped out

Although for all we know, the letter might say, "sorry chaps, we don't really have any nukes - your missiles are blanks - we just figured we the deterrent factor would be enough - we needed the cash to spend on benefits".

[stek]

Good find, but it wouldn't just be the UK. It would be everywhere in a roughly 1000 mile radius of the North Sea, which covers most of Europe and possibly as far as Western Russia (*)

(*) edit: Well perhaps not Russia, if it was the Russkies who set it off in that film!

But in Threads it was Sheffield, so swings and roundabouts.....

[Alf W]

[NickFitz]

Although for all we know, the letter might say, "sorry chaps, we don't really have any nukes - your missiles are blanks - we just figured we the deterrent factor would be enough - we needed the cash to bail out the banks".

FTFY.

[doodab]

A small nuclear war might be just the thing to restart the global economy.

[barrydidit]

A small nuclear war might be just the thing to restart the global economy.

Quite right - no point saving for a tomorrow that might never come. Spend up, young man!

There would certainly be an irony to the last Stalinist state turning out to be the answer to the stalled capitalist model though..

[Cliphead]

NK with nukes and a launch capability? Getting one into orbit as some sources have speculated about? They're more likely to hit Pyongyang as anywhere else and the nuke might not even light up.

Lots of press pish and US scaremongering, shades of Blair saying in parliament the Iraq had WMD and Iraqi missiles could reach UK in thirty minutes, who the fck bought that one that had any knowledge about these things, goverment scientific advisors?

First rocket launches then goodbye NK whether it be massive retaliation or dropped support by their 'allies'. Nothing more than a crude attempt at gaining some leverage against the current sanctions that are surely hurting.

[lilelvis2000]

go long on Dogs and hedge your baco-foil

What? Are there no bomb-shelter-under-your-house building companies? we are so doomed!

[PhilKing]

North Korea

Strikes me that the country most at risk here is Japan. Close enough to be bombarded and long time ally of the enemy.

Phil