Deadly convoy: Dozens of U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons demonstrate an 'Elephant Walk' as they taxi down a runway during an exercise at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, to practise for a wartime mission. This picture is among a gallery of images chosen to showcase a year in the life of the U.S. Air force in 2012
Michael Auslin, Wall Street Journal: Will South Korea Go Nuclear?
Seoul’s leading newspaper suggests acquiring nuclear arms, as confidence wanes in U.S. defense guarantees.
North Korea’s latest rocket launch has sent the global community into another frenzy. While diplomats promise more sanctions against Pyongyang, some of South Korea’s leading voices are losing patience with the international community.
The Chosun Ilbo is South Korea’s most respected newspaper and has deep ties to the country’s elites. So a recent unsigned editorial entitled “South Korea Must Discuss Acquiring Nuclear Arms” should make Washington sit up and take notice. It reflects Seoul’s diminishing trust in its American ally and may provide a glimpse of what nuclear proliferation in Asia will look like.
The language of the editorial was brutal. It reprimanded U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for failing to come to an agreement earlier this month with Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart, over how to respond to North Korea’s latest nuclear test: “The U.S. has passed the buck for taming North Korea to China, and China is doing nothing. Seoul now faces a real need for public discussion of the development of its own nuclear weapons.”
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WNU Editor: This is what a super-power in decline looks like .... even your closest allies have doubts that you will keep your promises and commitments.