North Korea's Neighbors Are On Alert

North Korea: Neighbors On Alert -- BBC

Following the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, regional powers have voiced fears over the nuclear country's future course.

Mr Kim had carried out his father's policy of "military first", building the world's fifth largest military force.

And in recent years, North Korea's series of ballistic missile tests and efforts to build nuclear weapons have fuelled regional tension. The country is reported to have test-fired a short-range missile shortly before Monday's announcement of Mr Kim's death.

North Korea is believed to be in possession of a number of missiles with varying ranges. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, some have the capability to carry nuclear warheads.

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My Comment: Considering North Korea's long history of provocation and violence, this 'alert status' should not be a surprise. And while North Korea will probably NOT initiate any military provocation during this 'mourning period', North Korea's neighbors are more worried on what will North Korea's intentions (and actions) be after this period of 'mourning', and what will be the policies that the new leadership will follow. My prediction .... it will be more of the same than usual.