Some of the more extreme camps within the right-wing mass media see the president’s plummeting poll numbers and also the persistent calls from Israel to invade Iran as proof that war with Iran is on the horizon. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made a point on “Meet the Press” just lately the U.S. is more than ready to take up arms against Iran. However, such speculation may be premature. According to Front Page Magazine, war against North Korea is more likely. And from a modern business view, a New Korean War would be disastrous.
Kim Jong-il and New Korean War rhetoric
Numerous territory clashes between North Korea and South Korea – which culminated within the sinking of the South Korean ocean vessel Cheonan – have pulled the United States of America into the potential New Korean War conflict, says Front Page and various other news sources. Kim Jong-il, North Korea’s leader, has boasted of his nation’s readiness to fight, which has given world stock markets reason to hiccup. That task of unification, as outlined by the Associated Press, could include “powerful nuclear deterrence”.
Jong-il has also threatened violent retaliation if additional sanctions are placed on North Korea by the United States and the European Union, a move both nations have seriously considered.
The U.S. in on South Korea’s side
A recent opinion poll indicates that over half of American adults fully expect a New Korean War within the near future, stories UPI. Less than half of those surveyed are against America’s involvement in such a war. Considering the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said following the Cheonan sinking the Americas would defend its ally – South Korea – in an armed conflict with North Korea, the intent is clearly there.
Boasts of war, busts of business
The Detroit Bureau reports that the prospect of a New Korean War is unsettling to business interests. From an import standpoint, war might be disastrous. Automakers like Hyundai and Daewoo, as well as electronics manufacturers like LG would be hurt, as would import-dependent retail giants like Wal-Mart and Best Buy. South Korea would experience economic hard times as their import routes are constricted by war, and even China would feel the pinch as they deal with refugees flooding their borders with the Koreas. Eventually the United States of America would feel economic hardship in a chain of events related to our ever-cheaper, ever-faster consumer world.
This is America off South Korean imports
Considering reports that South Korean manufacturers are largely unprepared for the possibility of a New Korean War, shipping lanes would likely be shut down or severely impeded. Even with the North Korean military reportedly in shambles – although accurate information on such topics is difficult to determine with certainty – the impact of violent conflict would be felt. Experts predict that North Korea will not come out ahead in any New Korean War, but that doesn’t mean that South Korea, Europe and the United States won’t carry wounds for many years to come.
Additional reading
Associated Press
newser.com/article/d9h5b3183/north-korea-threatens-nuclear-retaliation-to-us-south-korea-military-exercises.html
The Detroit Bureau
thedetroitbureau.com/2010/05/how-a-new-korean-war-would-affect-u-s-business/
Front Page Magazine
frontpagemag.com/2010/05/26/the-new-korean-war/
Real Clear Politics
realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/08/04/iran_war_option_on_the_table_106598.html
UPI
upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/06/03/US-adults-expect-new-Korean-war/UPI-27261275605162/
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