OPINION:
After a recent, successful submarine-launched ballistic missile, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says the North can now launch a nuclear attack on the U.S. mainland, no longer threatening just U.S. allies South Korea and Japan with nuclear weapons. This threat, of course, would hinge on a North Korean submarine approaching the U.S. West Coast.
Joel Wit, a former U.S. nuclear negotiator with North Korea, says he’s concerned, but not worried.
“Because — despite this success — we’re not within striking range of their nuclear weapons,” he said, PRI reported.
It’s also extremely unlikely they could get a submarine within range of the U.S. coast: The new North Korean missile only appears to have a range of about 600 miles. But Wit said there nevertheless is cause for concern.
“Because this is just one more step in terms of steady progress that North Korea is making in building nuclear weapons and building missiles to deliver them,” he said. “I’m concerned, and I think it should be ongoing concern for everyone.”
The biggest concern, Wit said, is that North Korea is working to develop a working Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM.
“If they get that thing working then they will be able to reach the United States, and that, of course, is a serious concern for all of us,” he said.
The point to take away from Kim’s announcement is that the North has now successfully performed several nuclear tests, is working on miniaturizing its warheads, and can launch missiles from a submarine. Dr. Evil would be proud.
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