Are we safe?

With North Korea gearing up to launch a rocket into space, America and governments around the world are preparing to respond. Or, at least they should be. According to a NYT article, the Obama’s administration has decided not to try and stop the launch. While this may seem okay, consider that Secretary Gates said, “I don’t know anyone at a senior level in the American government who does not believe this technology is intended as a mask for the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile.” That, along with North Korea’s nuclear program, should put fear into Americans.

Instead, the President chose to focus his efforts on Pakistan and Afghanistan. While this is noble and generally seen as an okay thing to do, this is not the time. North Korea is not considered a stable country, as it is under a communist regime, and steps should be taken to stop inroads that cannot be reversed. If they do launch this rocket, then it spells danger for democratic people across the world. What is probably not going to happen will be a direct launch from North Korea to, say, Japan. No one is a winner in that situation. What worries me is that they could give the technology to groups that intend to do harm, such as Al Qaeda.

This is a serious test for the President. It does not only have an implication in terms of his negotiation skills, but it also concerns the validity of his “diplomacy first” international relations scheme and overall judgment. He appears to be ignoring the advice of his Defense Secretary, which could cost the lives of innocents. This could signal his disregard of the opinions of those with another opinion.

It is also worth considering that the only legitimate threat from another foreign government is from an atomic warhead or other missile. Why should we not protect ourselves anyway? There are always things that are unpredicatable, and this would be a good investment. After all, we spend as much as the rest of the world combined on defense. Who is going to invade us? This would also fit in with President Obama’s non-interventionist policy.

There is, however, undoubtedly more behind the decision that what I have described here. Regardless of any ignorance the public is afflicted with, the resolution of this international situation will forebode partially our nation’s fate for the next four years.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/washington/30military.html?ref=todayspaper