No one seems to be writing opinion pieces quite the way I would, so I decided to do it myself.

The name? Taverns are places where one goes to discuss the interesting events and things in the world, so this is my tavern.

I will offer my views on politics, economics, and whatever else strikes my fancy.
I will occasionally publish the entire article from another journal for purposes of causing discussion.

 

Russia exercises responses to fall of Kim Jong Il

It looks very much like the situation with North Korea is coming to the end game. The Soviet Union created North Korea in the first place, and even when broke the Russians have been supporters of the North Korean regime. But now, according to Slate, things are changing rapidly.

In the latest sign that the North Korean nuclear crisis might be on the verge of settlement, Russia has embarked on a joint, 10-day naval exercise with South Korea and Japan. In addition, this Saturday, 30,000 Russian soldiers will carry out a drill simulating a response to a massive flow of North Korean refugees that might take place as a result of a war or a collapse of Kim Jong-il's regime.

The significance of these events, both reported in Tuesday's New York Times, is potentially staggering. Russia (which has long been one of North Korea's chief allies and suppliers) has never taken part in naval exercises with South Korea and Japan (which have long been North Korea's chief foes). Add to that the border drill?—which suggests that Russia is figuring out how to deal with, but not necessarily to prevent, the possibility of Kim's downfall?—and the "Dear Leader" of Pyongyang must be getting a tad nervous.

We can hope that this nuclear standoff works out favorably and soon. Frankly, if North Korea could quit supporting one of the largest military forces in the world they could perhaps feed their own people.

Read the rest of the article. It is informative.
posted by Richard at 6:42 AM