Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame
Sorry Cap, but Jong-un, more than his dad, does not want any military hostilities with other countries, no matter how brutal they are to their own people. On the international scene, North Korea is doing what it's always done - defy UN protocols on nuclear containment, threaten neighbours with war, and take the "backed in a corner" approach. However, much of this is dictated by his military administration, who in all likelihood are speaking into Eun's ear on a variety of topics. Eun, much like Jong-Il, relies on his supporting cast for policy direction. I don't think Eun becomes a five-star general in his own army without having his best military advisors speaking into his ear.
And as a note, Jong-Eun has had issues reining in his own military, which have become too powerful on their own. Last November, Jong-Un reshuffled the cabinet, including demoting six corp commanders, and demoting Kim Yong-Chol, the General responsible for sinking the South Korean corvette ship Cheonan. He has also been relatively vocal recently about raising the living standards and establishing a better economy, even saying that the same effort they put into their nuclear program must be put back into quality of life for North Koreans.
And just for kicks, even Denis Rodman proclaimed that Jong-Un doesn't want war! (Basketball diplomacy: a new 21st century approach).
|
Interesting I had read about the mini purge in the Military when the kid took power, but I'd also read that the officers in these cases were demoted or dropped because they were just not well liked by the family.
Until Kim turns word into action I have trouble as seeing him as a pacifist or a reformer, remember that Kim Jong-Il mouthed a lot of the same platitudes when he took power and stopped the use of the Jouche (sp?) concept of North Korean self reliance and to open themselves up to business with the world. it was a delaying tactic to gain him hero worship by the people and get time to consolidate power and flush out the "doves"
There were also purges of the government under Jong-Ol similar to what jr is doing.
He hasn't stopped the practice of spending the countries hard reserves gained through weapon sales on lavish gifts for his friends and family members either.
That special little room in their finance ministry is still churning away.
I'm not really arguing with you, you seem well informed on North Korea, but I'm skeptical as the torpedo attack and artillary attacks came after Jong-Un assumed the rank of Marshal at the head of the North Korean Military and rumors continue that the attacks originated with him in order to gain favor with the Military.