In this undated photo released by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service in Tokyo on Friday, May 22, 2009, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, center, watches flight training as he inspects the Korean People's Army Air Force Unit 814 at unknown location in North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service)From The Wall Street Journal:
WASHINGTON -- The Barack Obama administration has concluded that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, still recovering from an August stroke, has initiated a political transition inside his reclusive state in which his brother-in-law and third son are emerging as key players in a newly assertive power structure.
This political shift in Pyongyang, senior U.S. officials say, has contributed to North Korea practicing an increasingly aggressive foreign policy. North Korea withdrew from diplomacy aimed at ending its nuclear-weapons program shortly after Mr. Kim's believed stroke. And on April 5, the nation test-fired a three-stage rocket, underlining concerns that North Korea is trying to develop a ballistic missile that can carry nuclear warheads.
Leading U.S. officials are now publicly voicing their belief that Pyongyang will conduct its second nuclear test in the coming months.
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My Comment: All indications are pointing for a second North Korean nuclear test, a major escalation in improving their missile technology, and a concerted effort to restart their nuclear facilities.
I do not know anyone in diplomatic or political circles who are optimistic that peaceful negotiations can be successful in curtailing North Korea.
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