Why The Pentagon Is Worried That North Korea Has Conducted A Nuclear Test

Charles Tiefer, Fortune: North Korean Nuclear Test: Six More Worries for the Pentagon

North Korea’s underground test of an atomic bomb is worrisome enough in itself. But, further, it means facing a whole group of potentially alarming developments. Specifically, it increases six types of concerns that have been growing in 2015.

1. Growing arsenal – 10? 20? More?

The U.S. used to have a relatively benign view that the North Korean nuclear arsenal amounted to some ten atomic bombs. But, contact with Chinese academics in 2014 has led to a realization that in China, there is a belief in a much bigger arsenal. First, North Korea could have 20 warheads now or soon. Second, it could grow its arsenal from there. The days when it had only a couple of warheads are long past. It is becoming one of the world’s nuclear powers now.

WNU Editor: How potent are North Korea's threats .... the BBC makes this assessment .... How potent are North Korea's threats? (BBC)