Update on N.K.

Update, 4/20/12:  The rocket blew up shortly after take off and fell into the sea.  So the situation is postponed, for now.

North Korea is fueling its rocket now for a probable launch in the next 24 hours.  Whether successful or not, this is the most important headline to watch over the next day or two.  If the rocket blows up on lift-off, everyone (except Kim Jung-Un) will breathe a sigh of relief for this temporary delay in having to deal with NK antagonism.  If the launch is successful, Japan or S. Korea may shoot it down, which NK has said will be considered an act of war.  Also, pay attention to how the Obama administration handles this.  I suspect our President will threaten more (yawn) sanctions against NK, even threatening to stop sending what little aid we provide at this point.  All their food and aid comes from China though, so don't expect any mere verbal action by the President to have any effect whatsoever on NK.

I continue to hope for leadership in Washington that will threaten China with sanctions if it continues to do nothing in the way of assisting on NK matters.  China is the key to keeping NK in check.  The worst case scenario is a war in that region, so the stakes are high - mere political rhetoric, which has a tendency to sway American voters, is worthless when aimed at NK leadership.