North Korea has test-fire two short-range missiles from its eastern coast. It is unclear what type of missiles were launched. This latest test comes just six weeks after the communist North set off an underground nuclear test

Admiral Michael Mullen spoke about North Korea and their launch of two missiles and the underground nuclear test.

I will never, for the life of me, understand the rationale of anything that North Korea does.  They get tons of opportunities to redeem themselves within the international community and every time, they drop the ball.  But nonetheless, this country managed to mess up again.

On Monday (earlier today), North Korea carried out an underground nuclear test around 9:54 AM (9:54 PM Eastern on Sunday); the explosion was confirmed by Russia’s Defense Ministry.  The blast was estimated to be around 10-20 kilotons – the equivalent to the bombs that flattened Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. 

The North Koreans also test-fired later on Monday three short-range, ground-to-air missiles from the same site where it launched its long-range missile last month.  As usual, President Obama said that the blast constituted a “blatant defiance” of the U.N. Security Council and a violation of international law.  The usual suspects besides Obama condemned the attack.  China, usually an ally of North Korea, even said that they were opposed to the blast.

The blast, which one would assume automatically as one that is military in nature, could also very well be considered a political statement, especially since there’s been speculation as to who will succeed Kim Jong-Il as leader of North Korea.  Military or political, the blast will yet again isolate North Korea – one of the poorest nations on Earth – from the rest of the international community.

My guess is that the blast, while probably being political in intent, is also designed to somehow intimidate us and at the same time gain sympathy along with a healthy amount of international aid.  I expect at least this much to happen because of the blast.

• The U.N. Security Council will meet once again meet and censure N. Korea’s actions, which will lead to “sanctions” – the equivalent of a parent sending their kid to a corner for a “timeout”.
• The U.S. – with Obama being the mouthpiece – condemning the blast.  And as usual, doing nothing.  Think about last month – ’nuff said.
• The North Koreans will at some point of time will conduct either another underground blast and/or missile launch of undetermined length.

Seriously folks, the only way North Korea will be able to be contained that doesn’t involve a military solution – and I never wish ill or harm to anyone – is for Jong-Il to die.  If North Korea wants to regain their country and become relevant again, their current leader needs to be rubbed out.  But please do not take that as me being an advocate for an assassination attempt. 

All I am saying – and it is common knowledge that Jong-Il suffered a debilitating stroke – is that the North Korean leader’s untimely death is the only way that this country will be able to redeem itself.  And Obama may want to act like Reagan and make some credible, ironclad guarantees against North Korea.  But don’t hold your breath or bet your next month’s mortgage on that happening.

President Obama’s trip to Europe talking about nuclear disarmament and the North Korean missile launch took center stage on the Monday night late night talk show circuit. Here’s what you missed.

Hillary at her diplomatic best – or worst, depending on your point of view.