It is time to act.

In their latest round of taunts against the United States, North Korea is planning another long-range ballistic missile test, scheduled for; you guessed it, July 4^th.

Not only is this test’s date a symbolic slap in the face to the nation, the test itself has the potential to be a real life threat to the country, as the North Koreans are aiming it at the Hawaiian Islands (the missile’s long-range distance capability is 4,000 miles. Hawaii, being 4,500 miles away form North Korea, is out of its range).

Combine this incredibly brash move with their reneging on the deal to halt their nuclear weapons program, their rogue partnership with the Iranian government, their nuclear weapon tests, their threats to “wipe out the aggressors (U.S.) off the globe once and for all” and their violation of international law by transporting nuclear weaponry to Myanmar for further testing and the case has clearly been made to strike North Korea.

While I am not suggesting we declare war on North Korea (although that should not be ruled out, as it will be difficult to have any significant progress in the U.S/North Korean relationship while Kim Jong Il is in power), I am suggesting, however, that we execute targeted air-strikes against their facilities to destroy their nuclear weapons program.

This would pacify an ever-increasing problem in the Pacific by eliminating the immediate threat of a nuclear war, show South Korea and Japan, an incredibly important ally, that we will stand by them in ensuring their safety and deal a significant blow to a despotic regime.

This strike would also be the wisest foreign policy move that President Obama could make. It would show the rest of the world, but specifically, Iran, Al Qaeda, The Taliban, the terrorists in Iraq, Columbia, Russia and Pakistan that President Obama, while a thoughtful and pragmatic leader, cannot be pushed around.

This would do wonders for our troubles around the globe. It could potentially drive a death nail into a quickly collapsing Iranian regime. It would show Al Qaeda, Taliban and anti-democratic fighters in Iraq that you can fight all you want, but you will eventually succumb to American military might. This would tell Columbia and Russia to think twice before making outlandish claims about us (Columbia) or attempting to sabotage our international security operations (Russia). It would also show Pakistan that we are capable of cleaning up international messes if need be.

In short, it would make President Obama’s life much, much easier.

I know that Defense Secretary Gates has discussed the possibility of shooting down the test missile, but I simply do not believe that is enough. There is absolutely no guarantee that it would work (imagine how energized North Korea would be if the attempt to shoot down their missile failed) and it is not strong enough of a response, even if it were to work.

As I have said time and time again, I do believe military options should be the last resort in solving any international issue. I also believe that we have reached that critical stage with the North Koreans.

That’s all for now folks. Until next time, take care and be well.

-John