The land of the flighty

[Swiss Mercenary]

So why would they trade nuclear materials and technology to rich Islamofacists? To prevent the collapse of their regime when their population enters a civil war due to freezing and starving to death.

I think the point to consider is that they've probably spent more resources on working out the technology, then they would make from selling it. Doesn't mean the potential to make a quick buck isn't there right now, but there's logistics issues to consider with, well, transporting their bombs.

As for them using nukes, its a suicide move. Could it happen if they were desperate? Possibly. However, if they were desperate, they can, as of right now, conduct poison gas shelling of South Korean civilian centers. They've already got chemical WMDs, deliverable courtesy of their long-range artillery (Which I'd imagine has a better success rate at doing what it should then their missles do)

My opinion? Stop all foreign aid, as well as negotiations, starting right now. Appeasement is obviously counter-productive when dealing with a liar like Kim, while an invasion is stupid for various reasons, not the least of which being 'With what?'

If he makes an offensive move, better he make it now then 5 or 10 years down the road. He'll probably come back to the debate table, crying - and if he won't, its doubtful his regime will last for long.

What would the US offer China for solving NK?

I'm in fair agreement with Occhi's link that China might well be satisfied in having a (major) hand in determening what'll be done with NK.

Question to Occhi - are you, personally overly concerned by China expanding its influence in that way? If so, doesn't that imply that the US has an interest in retaining the current state of affairs (Heavy military presence in SK, with the boogeyman just next door)? How do you measure that with your threat to 'American security' that a nuclear NK poses?