Daily Lessons from Life 24 July 2010 - North Korea declares "sacred war" on U.S. and South

"North Korea declares 'sacred war' on U.S. and South - Sat, Jul 24, 2010 Reuters

(Reuters) - North Korea said on Saturday it would begin a 'sacred war' against the United States and South Korea at 'any time necessary' based on its nuclear deterrent, in response to 'reckless' military exercises by the allies.


North Korea has driven tensions on the Korean peninsula to new heights after the South accused the North of sinking one of its warships in March, killing 46, and took steps to boost its defense including massive military drills with the United States.

Pyongyang customarily voiced shrill anger in the past when the allies conducted exercises, but U.S. officials said further provocations are possible, especially as the North tries to build political momentum for succession of power to Kim Jong-il's son."

There was go again. North Korea playing 'hard ball' with the USA and South Korea. Is this another posturing. Another delicate but dangerous diplomatic gamesmanship? We never know though we do know that sometimes such posturing and gamesmanship can go very very wrong! Like someone once said: The World War III is started by an accident or a bluff went wrong!!

Lessons for me are:

1. with a person or a nation bent on NOT listening to reasons, there is nothing much you can do except to expect the worst while holding nerve and grinding your teeth NEVER to be the first to lose it! However, you MUST be prepared to retaliate with FULL FORCE and with NO HESITATION while you were struck. The sinking of the South Korea naval ship recently was NOT the type of strike I am thinking of but that of a direct strike on ground troops or targets!;

2. some blames will be assigned when the 'accidental WWII' happened. However, the side that provoked must not be left off the hook. History must accurately described who struck the 1st blow and why the retaliation must be totally and without mercy! Let the leaders who may have to ponder this fate be well prepared. There is no 'if' or ' but' about it. You are talking about a really secretive, oppressive, and single-minded-without-regard-to-international laws' nation;

3. The North Korea is playing Russia and China against USA and Europe. There is NO way, China and Russia will go to war with the rest of the war because of North Korea. So, the leaders of USA and Europe must be prepared to strike hard and immediately if South Korea is attacked by North Korea. Once the war starts, the Russian and Chinese will look for peaceful solution. That negotiation can come after the free world hit back hard at North Korea. Preferably devastated its military power to respond.

It is a dangerous game the North Koreans are playing. Much more dangerous than their recent World Cup exploits where they attacked without reserve and were knocked for 7 goals against the Portugal. I just wonder if the people will still embrace their leaders if their livelihood, not much really to talk about, were knocked for a 7!!