Image from The Willy Victor
The Day North Korea Killed 31 Americans -- Mark Sauter, Real Clear History
North Korea knows how to throw a party, especially on the April 15 birthday of the late Kim Il-sung, founder of North Korea and grandfather of current dictator Kim Jong-un. Called the “Day of the Sun,” Kim’s birthday and the period around it are marked by propaganda blasts, nationwide festivities and military displays. Last year North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), launched a rocket to mark his 100th birthday; it blew up.
A more effective, and tragic, birthday show of force occurred decades ago, but still offers insights for today’s standoff with Pyongyang. Then, as now, the U.S. was focused on conflicts outside Korea; in 1969 with North Vietnam (a North Korean ally) and today Iran (a North Korean ally). Then, as now, the White House was intent on reducing U.S. military entanglements, not opening new battlefields. Then, as now, U.S. planners had to cut through Pyongyang’s bluster to divine actual intent; find tactical responses both effective and unlikely to spark a major conflict; and reassure Asian allies of American resolve. Then, as now, North Korea wanted to display its power, foment a sense of crisis and test American alliances.
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WNU Editor: For more info on this incident, go here.
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