North Korea

Former Spook says Pyongyang is set to test the limits of US resolve by preparing to launch some more missiles. It’s looking for the red line. Where will it be drawn?

Reuters has the warning, issued by the official Korean Central News Agency:

“Security cannot be guaranteed for South Korean civil airplanes flying through the territorial air of our side and its vicinity … above the East Sea of Korea (Sea of Japan) in particular, while the military exercises are under way,” the North’s KCNA news agency quoted a statement from a government official as saying. …

… the warning statement–and anticipated closure area–will achieve an important goal: minimizing air traffic over the Sea of Japan during the upcoming missile test. That will make it for North Korean air defenses to keep tabs on U.S. platforms expected to monitor the launch, namely the RC-135S “Cobra Ball,” and the RC-135V/W “Rivet Joint.”

It’s no accident that North Korea has grown increasingly bold in its provocations toward the U.S. and our allies in the Far East. Sensing weakness and indecision in the Obama Administration, Kim Jong-il is quite willing to test the limits of our patience–and response options.

Less than two months into Mr. Obama’s term, Pyongyang has announced plans to launch another TD-2 (on a flight path that may carry it over Japan); vowed military against South Korea, and threatened to disrupt commercial air service along busy east Asia corridors.

The U.S. response? Nothing more than mild diplomatic warnings. No wonder Mr. Kim is feeling his oats.

But don’t worry. US diplomacy is in good hands.