North Korea set to launch Taepodong

[Valmy]

If we can use the most close precedent, Ceaucescu's Romania, when the end comes it will be quick, nasty and bloody...

Well the other Stalinist states thawed in the 60s.  The North Koreans just really love Stalinism, I do not see them giving it up voluntarily.

[Grey Fox]

What I wonder is what the Pyongyang subway looks like.

[jimmy olsen]

Looks like there's a good chance of seeing some Aegis destroyers in action.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-28-voa5.cfm

Japan Deploys Ships Ahead of North Korean Rocket Launch
By VOA News
28 March 2009
   
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships drop anchors at pier at base in Yokosuka, Japan, 28 Mar 2009

Japan deployed three guided missile destroyers Saturday with orders to shoot down any debris from a North Korean rocket that might stray into Japanese airspace.

Meanwhile, the United States, Japan and South Korea have agreed that any launch would be immediately brought up in the United Nations Security Council.

The three countries have all said North Korea is using the planned launch to test its ballistic missile capability in violation of U.N. resolutions. North Korea says it intends to launch a communications satellite between April 4 and April 8.

Japan deployed two warships to the Sea of Japan, which separates Japan from North Korea. The ships have radar and weapons systems designed to shoot down enemy missiles, the Aegis system.

A third Japanese destroyer was deployed to the Pacific Ocean where the North Korean rocket is expected to return to earth.

Japan also began deploying land based anti-missile defenses Friday while news reports said the U.S. Navy was moving ships with anti-missile capabilities - the Aegis system - to waters around Japan.

Japan's defense minister, Yasukazu Hamada, said his government has ordered its military to shoot down dangerous debris that might fall on Japanese territory during the launch.

Officials also say Japan is moving several (PAC-3) Patriot land-to-air missiles to its northern coast.

An international intelligence publication, Jane's Defense Weekly, said Friday that satellite imagery shows North Korea is nearing the final phases of preparing for its rocket launch. It said recent activity at the launch site suggests the mission is on or even ahead of schedule.

[Solmyr]

OUR WORDS ARE BACKED WITH NUCLEAR DONGS!

[The Brain]

Shut up about Dr. New Jersey already.

[The Minsky Moment]

What I wonder is what the Pyongyang subway looks like.

[DisturbedPervert]

What I wonder is what the Pyongyang subway looks like.

No one really knows.  Foreigners are only allowed at two stations, and with a guide.  There is speculation that the only time the train runs is for tourists, and that all the passengers are actors.

[Neil]

The Japanese should take back the entire Korean peninsula.

[jimmy olsen]

The Japanese should take back the entire Korean peninsula.

Why? The South Koreans seem okay.

[Neil]

The Japanese should take back the entire Korean peninsula.

Why? The South Koreans seem okay.

I don't trust them.  Too soft on their Northern cousins.

[Habsburg]

The Japanese should take back the entire Korean peninsula.

Why? The South Koreans seem okay.

I don't trust them.  Too soft on their Northern cousins.

[jimmy olsen]

The Japanese should take back the entire Korean peninsula.

Why? The South Koreans seem okay.

I don't trust them.  Too soft on their Northern cousins.

[Siege]

The Japanese should take back the entire Korean peninsula.

I agree.

[Martim Silva]

The Japanese should take back the entire Korean peninsula.

I agree.

Yeah, and the northern mountain provinces with river borders are quite easy to defend, too... 

Which is why China immediately attacks any non-NK army that gets near the area, I suppose...