Irresponsible Journalism

This new report was released by an Australian newspaper. What is the intent of the editor and writer to release this article? Assuming they are half-way intelligent, they know discussions are underway towards a peaceful resolution to settle North Korea's nuclear issues. Even if it can be assumed or is already known by the North Koreans that there are plans to bomb certain sites in their country, this article doesn't help the current situation. If anything, it can potentially inflame the situation or be used by the North Koreans in a negative manner as they hold these discussions with the U.S.

In my mind, it was irresponsible and stupid to print this piece of sensationalism. It was primarily to bring international attention to an Australian paper and staff that rarely gets any. This was cheap journalism that almost belongs in a tabloid more than daily newspaper.

Of course I probably have more emotion involved since I live in South Korea with many of my family and close friends. This type of journalism doesn't help the situation and only can inflame it which doesn't make me more at ease.


U.S. has plan to bomb North Korea
United Press International
Published 4/22/2003 5:14 AM

SYDNEY, Australia, April 22 (UPI) -- The Pentagon has produced plans to bomb North Korea's nuclear plant at Yongbyon, if the rouge state goes ahead with reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel rods that would yield enough plutonium for six nuclear weapons, according to a published report Tuesday.

Citing "well-informed sources close to U.S. thinking," the Australian newspaper reported the plan also involves a military strike against North Korean artillery stationed in the hills above the border with South Korea.

The artillery threatens Seoul and about 17,000 U.S. troops stationed south of the Demilitarized Zone.

The Pentagon hardliners said to be behind the plan reportedly believe the precision strikes envisaged in it would not lead to North Korea initiating a general war it would be certain to lose.

The United States would inform North Korea it was not aiming to destroy the regime of Kim Jong-il, but merely destroy its nuclear weapons capacity, the newspaper reported.

However, the Bush administration hasn't made a decision to accept the plan. Instead, President George W. Bush has emphasized that they believe diplomacy can work with North Korea. The United States, North Korea and China are scheduled to hold talks in Beijing on Wednesday.