I think the SKs keep thinking that the NKs will be like the East Germans.
I think carter/clinton thought they could just make deals.
I think Bush has thought that by treating them with kid gloves they can be contained.
I think China has thought they could maintain a 'pure' commie state on their flank safely.
I think the Japanese have thought they could offer mild support and respect and get the same back.
I think the NKs believe they can actually win a penninsula war and beat the US.
They are all wrong.
At this time I beleive the evidence is over whelming that there is going to be a bloody, nuclear war there started bu the NKs.
My bet is it will start right about the time we start with Iraq.
They may very likely give us an ultimatum that if we go after Iraq they will attack.
My bet is that NK will be destroyed completely unless the chinese (again) try to save them.
My heart goes out to the people of SK and the Americans whose lives are on the line.
The 90's, where we thought we could wheel and deal with the NKs was a delusion.
They never stopped a nuke weapon program of some sort.
They never gave up the idea of conquesting SK.
They never believed the Americans could actually defeat them.
They still beleive that China will bail them out.
This could be a real nightmare.
Ed