Donald Trump is running out of time to deal with North Korea’s nuclear crisis.
Kim Jong Un is pressing forward to develop nuclear weapons that can target anywhere in the United States.
But Donald Trump has this ace up his sleeve to shut him down.
Trump’s advisors leaked word that they are developing a “bloody nose” option in case North Korea pushes the envelope with a ballistic missile or nuclear test.
This strategy involves a surgical strike on launchers or nuclear facilities to show that the United States means business, but without provoking North Korea to start World War 3.
The Wall Street Journal reports:
“But as just one sign of how fraught the situation remains, simply consider this: U.S. officials are quietly debating whether it’s possible to mount a limited military strike against North Korean sites without igniting an all-out war on the Korean Peninsula.
The idea is known as the “bloody nose” strategy: React to some nuclear or missile test with a targeted strike against a North Korean facility to bloody Pyongyang’s nose and illustrate the high price the regime could pay for its behavior. The hope would be to make that point without inciting a full-bore reprisal by North Korea.
It’s an enormously risky idea, and there is a debate among Trump administration officials about whether it is feasible. North Koreans have a vast array of artillery tubes pointed across the demilitarized zone at Seoul, the capital of South Korea, with which they could inflict thousands of casualties within minutes if they choose to unleash an all-out barrage.
Now, that danger is coupled with the risk that the North Koreans could attempt to use a nuclear weapon if they choose to escalate in retaliation against even a single strike.”
Trump has taken a hard line on North Korea in terms of pushing for new sanctions and letting Kim Jong Un know that he is willing to put the military option on the table should Jong Un threaten the United States.
And there is evidence it is paying off.
North Korea and South Korea engaged in high level diplomatic talks.
South Korea’s President credited Trump’s strategy in forcing North Korea to the bargaining table.
#breaking South Korean President Moon Jae-in says the Trump administration might deserve credit for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue, saying the talks with North Korea “could be the effect of the sanctions and pressure led by the US.”
— Will Ripley (@willripleyCNN) January 10, 2018
North Korea is used to American Presidents who roll over and give them free rein to do as they please in terms of advancing their nuclear weapons program.
That all changed when Donald Trump took office.
Do you believe President Trump’s tough policy toward North Korea will continue to pay dividends?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
