Many think North Korea bluffing over missile test

[lovuian]

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=72590257bf0a11b9

Will North Korea launch a long-range ballistic missile that could reach the continental United States at grave cost?
Or is the missile threat another card to win concessions from the United States as its nuclear program has failed to attract U.S. attention?
snip...
North Korea's ruling elite, mostly Workers' Party members, have also increasingly complained about the country's economic reform measures as eroding the privileges they have enjoyed for the past decades, intelligence officials have said.

"North Korea may use a missile launch to create a war-like mood in the society to tighten its control over the people and cope with mounting outside pressure," the source said.
snip...
Last September, the United States slapped restrictions on Banco Delta Asia, a Macau-based bank accused of laundering money for North Korea. Under the U.S. measure, BDA has cut off transactions with North Korea, which is believed to have choked Pyongyang's cash flow. The U.S. administration has also frozen the U.S.-based assets of eight North Korean companies.
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This going to war tactic sounds so familiar doesn't it???

[TomInTib]

1. I do not believe a word of it. I think it is all about Missile Defense

and the admin's desire to bring it back out into the light.

This is a red herring.

[eleny]

2. As does this Asia Times writer,Bruce Klingner...

NORTH KOREA'S DANGEROUS GAME
There's method in the missile madness
By Bruce Klingner

"A missile launch appears more likely than initial indications earlier this month and could occur this week after dissipation of severe weather in the area. North Korea could, however, still decide not to launch, having determined it has accomplished its political objectives of regaining international attention to increase its bargaining leverage. Pyongyang would be unlikely to initiate
additional escalatory steps except in response to US action."

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/HF21Dg01.html