US: North Korea loading rocket on launch pad - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Azure · 03-25-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

WASHINGTON (AP) - North Korea is loading a Taepodong rocket on its east coast launch pad in anticipation of the launch of a communications satellite early next month, U.S. officials say. U.S. counterproliferation and intelligence officials have confirmed Japanese news reports of the expected launch between April 4 and 8.

North Korea announced its intention to launch the satellite in February. Regional powers worry the claim is a cover for the launch of a long-range missile capable of reaching Alaska. National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said earlier this month that all indications suggest North Korea will in fact launch a satellite.

North Korea faked a satellite launch in 1998 to cloak a missile development test. In 2006, it launched a Taepodong-2 that blew up less than a minute into flight.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090325/D975ALGO0.html

Thoughts? NK playing hardball because they're trying to test Obama? Or is it just the launch of a communications satellite?

Be pretty stupid if the US acted, and in the end NK was only trying to launch a satellite.

Who knows though.....if its just a satellite, I would expect NK to let inspectors in and avoid a conflict.

flylock shox · 03-25-2009, 09:45 PM

If Bush were in power, North Korea would've been invaded by now.

flip · 03-25-2009, 09:45 PM

Wait, I thought W. built a foolproof system that would shoot down missles?

You mean we were wrong for ridiculing him?

HotHotHeat · 03-25-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flylock shox

If Bush were in power, North Korea would've been invaded by now.

No, South Korea would have been invaded by now

flylock shox · 03-25-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

No, South Korea would have been invaded by now

There's gotta be a real good "Oh SNAP!" gif out there somewhere

Azure · 03-25-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flylock shox

If Bush were in power, North Korea would've been invaded by now.

Uhhh, pretty sure NK did the exact same thing while Bush was in power, and nobody started a war because of it.

Of course, there is also the argument that NK is testing Obama because they perceive him as weak.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flip

Wait, I thought W. built a foolproof system that would shoot down missles?

You mean we were wrong for ridiculing him?

There is a system in place that would almost certainly shoot down any missile that NK would launch. But its the repercussions the world would have to deal with of a country trying to launch a long-range missile against the United States.

flip · 03-25-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

There is a system in place that would almost certainly shoot down any missile that NK would launch. But its the repercussions the world would have to deal with of a country trying to launch a long-range missile against the United States.

I was being facetious. It is funny how the Star Wars program, or Missile Defense Shield, or whatever the hell they are calling it nowadays, was thoroughly ridiculed but in the end might not be such a bad idea.

Azure · 03-25-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flip

I was being facetious. It is funny how the Star Wars program, or Missile Defense Shield, or whatever the hell they are calling it nowadays, was thoroughly ridiculed but in the end might not be such a bad idea.

Well, that is Obama doesn't scrap it. Poland was begging him the other day to leave it in place.

I don't think we're talking about that though.

The Aegis Combat System would be used to target the missiles and shoot it down.

CaptainCrunch · 03-25-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

Well, that is Obama doesn't scrap it. Poland was begging him the other day to leave it in place.

I don't think we're talking about that though.

The Aegis Combat System would be used to target the missiles and shoot it down.

Doubt the aegis is capable of shooting down a ICBM equivalent.

HOZ · 03-26-2009, 12:45 AM

The Japanese have their own system that has been developed with the US. The second largest navy is moving into place as well. With Aegis destroyers. It is unlikely that the Japanese will allow the missile to make it into their air space again.

RT14 · 03-26-2009, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flylock shox

If Bush were in power, North Korea would've been invaded by now.

Bush was in power for as long as a president can be. I don't recall any such invasion, all the while NK giving him more reason for one than Iraq ever did.

LChoy · 03-26-2009, 09:07 AM

If I recall correctly, the current South Korean administration is more aligned with peaceful co-existence and eventual reunification with North Korea. They aren't taking a hardline on their Northern neighbours

North East Goon · 03-26-2009, 09:19 AM

I would shoot it down even if it is a satellite. what do they need satellite's for?

Old Yeller · 03-26-2009, 09:22 AM

Why shouldn't they be allowed to launch a satellite?

North East Goon · 03-26-2009, 09:26 AM

Because they have used fake Satellite launches before. Let the region confirm it's a satellite or blow that sucker out of the sky.

Azure · 03-26-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North East Goon

Because they have used fake Satellite launches before. Let the region confirm it's a satellite or blow that sucker out of the sky.

Well, I have no problem if they launch a satellite. Just one more to clutter up space....but they have to confirm its a satellite.

I'm sure the US knows exactly what NK is doing. The politicians are just grandstanding to play though because they KNOW its a missile, or they know its just a satellite and want to keep NK in check.

Flame Of Liberty · 03-26-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

Well, that is Obama doesn't scrap it. Poland was begging him the other day to leave it in place.

It looks like Obama is going to back out on the plan to put missiles/radar in Poland/Czech rep, as a "gesture" towards the Russians. To me, it will be the biggest disapointment with his foreign policy to date. Damn shame to sink NATO allies who have/had soldiers in both Iraq and Afghanistan, just to please the Russians, who will laugh at it anyway.

HotHotHeat · 03-26-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North East Goon

I would shoot it down even if it is a satellite. what do they need satellite's for?

Kimmy boy needs a better view of Hollywood.

I have trouble taking anything North Korea does seriously. They're like little kids playing in a sand box.. Just let them playyyy. They're harmless. American paranoia is ruining everything.

VladtheImpaler · 03-26-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lchoy

If I recall correctly, the current South Korean administration is more aligned with peaceful co-existence and eventual reunification with North Korea. They aren't taking a hardline on their Northern neighbours

No, that was the previous SK administration - the current is more hardline (linking economic aid to nuclear progress). Hence, the NK sabre-ratling.

North East Goon · 03-26-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flame Of Liberty

It looks like Obama is going to back out on the plan to put missiles/radar in Poland/Czech rep, as a "gesture" towards the Russians. To me, it will be the biggest disapointment with his foreign policy to date. Damn shame to sink NATO allies who have/had soldiers in both Iraq and Afghanistan, just to please the Russians, who will laugh at it anyway.

That is dissapointing if true.