Yes, I think that the events of yesterday, do point out the reasons better than any one of us can say. I didn't want to believe it either for a long time....and have said so. BUT 9-11 FINALLY made me realize that I/we had been ignoring the isolated incidents since the 1970's. It was so much easier (for me, and for most of us) to be on the river called da'Nile....
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And on the article, there are some things in there that provide some insight for some of the events of today. I am sure the President has read all sorts of more sobering facts than just these few....
In fact, It continues to amaze me that GWB gets so much negativism. If he didn't care, wouldn't it be just easier to continue on ignoring the world situation...? I mean, really, we had ignored it for so many years, why would he be the first really that decided to do something about what he called the "Axis of Evil..." We have to remember, among other things, that Saddam continued to be a major provider of funds to terrorists everywhere.
Here are some of the comments from the 1999 link I sent....
Iraq:
Even before the North Korean economy began to crumble, missile sales were an important means of earning foreign currency.(79) Past transfers to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, and perhaps others, including Libya, have historically bolstered the DPRK's economy. Now that North Korea has suffered serious economic decline, however, missiles have come to play an integral part in Pyongyang's trade policy.(80) With a robust customer base in the Middle East and South Asia, missiles are now one of North Korea's few exportable goods with international appeal.
Iran:
In the last five years, North Korea's missile capabilities have improved dramatically. North Korea has produced, deployed and exported missiles to Iran and Pakistan, launched a three-stage missile (Taepo Dong 1), and continues to develop a larger and more powerful missile (Taepo Dong 2). Unlike five years ago, North Korea can now strike the United States with a missile that could deliver high explosive, chemical, biological, or possibly nuclear weapons. Currently, the United States is unable to defend against this threat.
In the last five years, North Korea has made significant progress in improving its missile capabilities. It has produced, deployed and exported missiles to Iran and Pakistan, launched a three-stage missile (Taepo Dong 1), and continues to develop a larger and more powerful longer-range missile (Taepo Dong 2).
North Korea is one of the world's leading suppliers of ballistic missiles and missile technology, and has developed, produced, deployed and exported a broad range of missiles (see Fig. 1.1). By selling complete missile systems, components, and missile technologies to Iran, Syria, Egypt, and Pakistan, North Korea undermined regional stability in the Middle East and South Asia.
It is probable that North Korea will also export the longer-range missiles it is developing to countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and perhaps Libya, if political or economic developments do not intervene.
US Mainland
Referring to the Taepo Dong 1 and Taepo Dong 2, then-Director of the Central Intelligence Agency James Woolsey stated that the missiles could "put at risk all of North-East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific area."(40)
The August 31, 1998, launch of a Taepo Dong 1 with a third stage indicates North Korea may now be able to bring the United States within range of its missiles to attack targets as far away as 5,600 km (3,500 miles), including Hawaii and parts of Alaska.
DoD estimated that the Taepo Dong 1, with a properly functioning third stage, could have a range of 3,850-5,600 km (2,400-3,500 miles), enough to reach Alaska and Hawaii.
One expert predicted that the Taepo Dong 1 with a third stage could reach Alaska and Hawaii with a small nuclear warhead, and could reach much of the continental United States with a lighter warhead, such as a biological or chemical weapon.(55) The 1999 National Intelligence Council estimate indicated that if the Taepo Dong 1 had a properly functioning third stage and a survivable reentry vehicle, it could strike targets in the United States with sufficient size for a chemical or biological weapon, but not for an early-generation nuclear weapon.(56) |
