[Hammer]

Either one of two things is happening:

1. With our attention diverted elsewhere, the DPRK sees this as a chance to get various political gains versus the US. They will say and do anything to get those concessions as they feel safer that we have less of a capability in that part of the world right now.
They have a starving nation teetering on collapse... these are the most dangerous nations to deal with as the regime figures it can't get any worse.... so they'll say and do whatever they feel like, no matter what the actual truth behind their motives may be.

2. With a destroyed Hussein regime virtually certain when we go in, the DPRK is scared we will find certain skeletons in their closet. Ones that they want no one to see. If they're hiding so-called "legal" weapons shipments below bags of foodstuffs, just what "illegal" weapons may they be shipping to other places?
Iraq? Al Quaeda? Who knows.... There's definately more to this than meets the eye.

Its funny that they keep saying we are going to launch a pre-emptive strike when we've publicly stated we have no intention of doing so. Its also funny that they seem willing to do ANYTHING and threaten anything to get a non-agression treaty from the US. Why would this be SUCH a priority at this point of time. After 50 years of two sides staring at each other over land mines... Why Now? That is the real question...

What would I do in GW's position?

Let them stew, let them squeal, let them sweat it out and pronounce war until they are blue in the face. Let's get the job done in Iraq and see where it leads.

The DPRK regime is desperate for something....
But a few things stand out:
We know darn well that Russia, China and Japan are not going to sit idle and let radioactive clouds disperse all over the region if the DPRK lose their minds. China is making a LOT of money with their cheap labor force and international trade... They will not back up their mad-dog pet this time.
The DPRK does not have a long range missile capable of hitting the continental US.... and I sincerely doubt Alaska or Hawaii are within range either. All they can do is destroy their immediate area, and if it comes down to it, their neighbors are not going to stand by and let that happen.

And what about South Korea?
Lots of good Americans died driving the communists back in the 50s. South Korea has enjoyed freedom and prosperity because a few US soldiers sit on a border protecting them. Around 18 months ago, North and South Korea were trading fire from warships and Noth Korea was making spy missions in a deisel sub against the south. Now all of a sudden they are best buds, and WE are the enemy. It seems South Korea has a shorter memory than France and Germany. Yes there were a couple of incidents where a couple of soldiers got into trouble within the civilian population. Are you going to ally yourself with a sworn enemy that would love to take everything you own and crush you just for the actions of a TINY percentage of those protecting you?

I'm getting sick of seeing demonstrations and violence against our men in South Korea. Keep it up South Korea... One day we just might take our toys and go home. And then you'll find out just how friendly the DPRK are....