The wrong kind of Memorial Day observance (AFPTV)
President Obama had harsh words in the Rose Garden this morning for North Korea’s rude and ill-advised nuclear test and launch of three, short-range missiles. How bad was it? Even China expressed distaste for North Korea and the yen fell from its highest level in two months.
“North Korea’s nuclear ballistic missile programs pose a great threat to the peace and security of the world and I strongly condemn their reckless action,” Obama said. “North Korea’s actions endanger the people of Northeast Asia, they are a blatant violation of international law, and they contradict North Korea’s own prior commitments.”
The UN Security Council will convene later today, but where does that go? Similarly, NATO condemned the launch. The Kremlin had harsh words, as well. A good analysis of US efforts to enlist China’s help is here. Notes AP:
Russia’s Defense Ministry has confirmed that an atomic explosion occurred at 9:54 a.m. local time (0054 GMT) in northeastern North Korea. It also estimated that the blast’s yield was 10 to 20 kilotons — similar in strength those that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki and hastened the end of World War II.
