Korea Unrest

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Seems there has been another incident between North & South Korea..shells fired on both sides and one South Korean soldier reported killed.

[that_guy (Tony)]

im a korean and gonna head over there in december... hopefully nothing drastics gonna happen or my holidays ruined!! but seriously i really hope nothing major happens :S

[CraigS]

It would be really interesting to get a feeling for how the average North Korean person-in-the-street really feels about life and their leader(s).

I have faith that deep down, the one thing that all nationalities have in common is serious doubts about politicians or 'leaders'.

The propaganda perspectives we see about North Koreans idolising their leader(s), I find, confronts my perspectives on human nature (mainly cynicism about politicians).

Take it easy over there, Tony ! Sounds like it might get a bit dicey from now on.

Cheers & Rgds.

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

I wish the Chinese would do what they do best.
They've big brothered N Korea for many years and limited their tantrums.
The population of North Korea are brainwashed and insulated from reality - they have little idea what it's like in the West. They're hungry and poor. The money they've got is all spent on the Military, with the biggest per capita standing army in the world.

I hope sense somehow comes to the situation. Though how it can is beyond me - Maybe Kim Jong Il dying is what is needed. Who knows.

Hope your visit is a good one Tony

[Kal (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by CraigS

It would be really interesting to get a feeling for how the average North Korean person-in-the-street really feels about life and their leader(s).

I have faith that deep down, the one thing that all nationalities have in common is serious doubts about politicians or 'leaders'.

The propaganda perspectives we see about North Koreans idolising their leader(s), I find, confronts my perspectives on human nature (mainly cynicism about politicians).

One thing to note about North Korea is that their leadership is idolised in a similar way to how religion works. Prior to WWII when Japan ruled the lands, a similar system was in place where the Japanese Emperor had divine powers. Under the current regime their leaders have mythylogical backgrounds with a divine type history.

It should also be noted, that the current North Korean Government has at it's roots the government that first ruled over all of Korea during the short period from August/September 1945 - January 1946, at which time the United States Military Government in Korea took control of the south of the country. The USMGIK dismissed this government because it was communist.

Because of this, I beleive many North Koreans feel as though they just have another occupier in it's lands, as they have not been allowed to formulate their own government without outside influence dictating who is in power. North Koreans don't hate South Korean people, they just hate the USA and it's "puppet regime" that is in place.

[Paddy (Patrick)]

I feel for the people of Korea. How hard it must be to be in the south living next to a psychopathic regime. How could the leaders of the South maintain the wisdom to respond skilfully.

Hope all is well for your trip Tony and for your countrymen.

[Barrykgerdes]

Just what is needed to get the world economy moving again. A real war. Australia will need to sit on the fence because we don't have a capability to make warmongering equipment. That is all made now by potential enemies who will dictate its use.

Barry

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by Kal

It should also be noted, that the current North Korean Government has at it's roots the government that first ruled over all of Korea during the short period from August/September 1945 - January 1946, at which time the United States Military Government in Korea took control of the south of the country. The USMGIK dismissed this government because it was communist.

And of course China intervened on North Korea's side as the American/Allied armies moved north because they feared the advance would not stop at the border. IMHO that was a reasonable fear. The result has been that North Korea has been isolated by the west but not really assisted by China. It's just the situation where tin-pot regiems can flourish.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Interesting to note that Nth K has been threatened by both US and Russia to back off!

I really hope this doesn't escalate. It could be far worse than the 'Korean War Part 1'.

Tony, please don't risk it, mate.
If it gets any worse, tell your folks to cancel.

[that_guy (Tony)]

awww thanks guys I'll be careful when im over there.. if it esclades, im sure my folks will be more then quick to cancel the flights...

cheers all
tony

[Kal (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Interesting to note that Nth K has been threatened by both US and Russia to back off!.

While the Soviet Union was a staunch ally of North Korea, Russia is quite the opposite. Russian relationships warmed slightly after Putin came to power, but once North Korea conducted a nuclear test they have been completely behind Western efforts to denuclearise the Peninsula. Russian has an interest in stability in the region to help develop it's isolated eastern areas.

China on the other hand, I fell has a bigger vested interest, which I think stems from the fact that Taiwan is still very much an independant state. I get the feeling that China has about as much interest in reuiniting Korea as the USA has in reuniting Taiwan with China (despite it's 'one China' policy)

All just pawns to the big powers imho

[that_guy (Tony)]

just an update.... grrr.... nrth bombing a south korean island....

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Just a reminder of TOS

- Avoid topics about race, politics or religion. These can be very sensitive topics and it can be very easy to take things the wrong way, creating arguments.

[that_guy (Tony)]

it hasnt made an arguement yet... just compassionate people worried about safety of others and peace...

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

that's ok Tony, just a friendly reminder.

[that_guy (Tony)]

i understand your caution, if this gets out of hand you do your stuff haha i respect the terms and conditions...

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Ahem...
Just to play devil's advocate here : possibly a little war might be a good thing. Get rid of the crazy circus monkies that run the North. The west (us) is in a far better position to wage a limited war in the peninsula than it was 60 years ago. The technological advantages alone are overwhelming.
Can't see China really being too bothered providing S. Korea agreed to demilitarize the area afterward.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

I've long since formed the view that if war is the answer then there is something wrong with the question.

How would it be a 'little' war against a country of 24million? Look at the 'limited' wars that are dragging on and on at the moment. Look at the civilian deathg toll.

Peter, I enjoy your posts and you generally make a lot of sense but I cannot agree on this occassion.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

I don't know where this discussion will go but it is better informed than this one.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...section=justin

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by Waxing_Gibbous

Ahem...
Just to play devil's advocate here : possibly a little war might be a good thing. Get rid of the crazy circus monkies that run the North. The west (us) is in a far better position to wage a limited war in the peninsula than it was 60 years ago. The technological advantages alone are overwhelming.
Can't see China really being too bothered providing S. Korea agreed to demilitarize the area afterward.

Limited War excuse me, but isn't there a limited war going on in Afghanistan,just about ten years long now and with no end in sight
There is no such thing as a limited war in the Korean Peninsular as it could easily spiral out of control into a Big War.
I find this type of talk offensive as no war is easily justified