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Some Officials May Not Be That Upset Over A North Korean Nuclear Test

What doesn't make the news (for example, that Senate investigators recently accused Grover Norquist of major fraud) is more significant than what does, these days. Think Progress points out today that a little bombshell buried in a Washington Post story has gone unnoticed: "Some senior officials even said they were quietly rooting for a [North Korean nuclear] test, believing that would finally clarify the debate within the administration."

The story, "Rice Sees Bright Spot In China's New Role Since N. Korean Test," is about Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's claim that China is becoming "more of a partner on issues of importance to the United States." And, as Think Progress points out, Post reporter Glenn Kessler believes that Rice may be one of the officials who believes that North Korea's nuclear test was a "plus" for the U.S.

Here is an illuminating timeline on North Korea's nuclear program.

Comments

There is a belief spouted in some liberal circles that North Korea - a bit player with no resources coveted by US business interests- obtaining nuclear technology could be used as a lever for "preemptive" military action against Iran, a country with significant oil reserves and a potential rival to influence Iraq, a country with more significant oil reserves. The argument will go as follows: "See what happened when we chose to act diplomatically [deferring to China - who host our slave wage labor factories that generate high profit margins]! We should attack them and topple their government B4 they get too powerful. Add in their support for Hizbollah and it's a slam dunk - especially if one of their "clients" destroys a major military installation or does something else spectacularly annoying.

Posted by: JT Barrie on 10/23/06 at 3:59 PM