North Korea Says It Successfully Tested Missile Engine

Article by Chloe Sang-Hun, April 9th, 2016 in the NY Times.

On Saturday North Korea announced that they had a successful ground test on an engine designed for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This type of engine would enable North Korea to strike the United States mainland with a nuclear warhead. Initially analysts in the region doubted the validity of these announcements and "chalked up" North Korea's remarks as generally untrue. However, "In recent weeks, however, North Korea has claimed a series of successes in testing various technologies needed to make one", it being a fully functioning ICBM. Some of the technologies mentioned are: re-entry technology so the missile doesn't break apart upon re-entering Earth's atmosphere, and a solid-fuel rocket engine which reduces prep time. North Korea has also vowed to further develop their nuclear warfare even though the UN issued stricter sanctions last month after North Korea detonated a Nuclear device in January and launched a long-range missile last month. Upon reading this I feel that North Korea is readying itself for war with any and all enemies and with this technology they may very well be able to do so. I also noticed that while the UN imposed stricter sanctions they were very easily ignored. The power of the UN was virtually zero when it came to preventing North Korea's advancement into Nuclear Warfare. While each state is entitled to pursue their own goals this raises some important questions. If a country's pursuits affect the peace of the greater collective, do we not have a right to defend ourselves and or prevent future war? Should we give the UN more enforcing power? If we do then how would that affect the sovereignty and freedom of nations?

- Tyler Linthakhanh PSC 102

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/10/world/asia/north-korea-says-it-successfully-tested-missile-engine.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0