Monday, July 31, 2017

North Korea's Missile Launch

Bigger and better missiles?

North Korea recently launched a new missile which was detected by the Pentagon. This missile was proven to be much more durable, and able to fly longer than the missile launched at the beginning of the month. What does this mean for the U.S.? Well, North Korea has made threats toward our country. Now that their missile technology has improved, it's possible and probable that North Korea would be able to send their new nuclear artillery all the way to the United States' mainland. This puts all American citizens at risk.

How is the U.S. Reacting?

In response to these threats and advances in missile technology, the U.S. has tested out a new defense system called THAAD, standing for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. This system is capable of detecting a nuclear attack before and during its' occurrence.

Virtual Example:
Image result for thaad

As shown, the system involves launching an interceptor to destroy any oncoming missiles. This seems like a very advanced and high-tech solution. It's crucial that the United States has this defense plan in place to protect it's own. North Korea could potentially strike at any time.

Why is this an important topic to discuss?

Threats and nuclear weapons should always be taken very seriously. It's necessary to know and understand what's going on in your own country and in the world, especially when it involves conflict. This new defense system is the Commander in Chief, Donald Trump's, first plan for defensive action. I'm interested myself to see how it turns out for this reason. Also, learning about nuclear technology and advanced defense systems and how they work can be very interesting. 

Questions for Discussion:

  • Do you think the new defense system will be successful? Why or why not?
  • If North Korea strikes, and the THAAD system fails, could President Trump be criticized?
  • Is it likely that North Korea will actually attack, or are their threats empty?
  • Could a third World War be sparked if North Korea were to strike?

Sources:

  • http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/30/politics/us-military-tests-thaad-system/index.html
  • http://edition.cnn.com/2017/07/28/politics/north-korea-missile-test/index.html
  • http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/north-korea-icbm-test-friday-longest-ballistic-missile/story?id=48951405







3 comments:

  1. Personally, I believe that this new defense system will be successful. Just as North Korea is technologically advancing, so is the United States. However, the only flaw I see with this plan is it is literally a hit or miss situation. What will happen if the THAAD system misses the missile? If the THAAD system does fail, I have no doubt that Donald Trump will be criticized, because once something goes wrong most people look for someone to blame. And nowadays, everything that goes wrong within the country is blamed on politicians, especially Donald Trump. I believe that if North Korea were to strike, it would cause a World War 3 because as Rose mentioned, all citizens of the United States are at risk, so obviously this situation would not be taken lightly.

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  2. It is possible for North Korea to attack the United States, however it is unlikely. North Korea’s government is weak and unstable. Although North Korea has intercontinental ballistic missiles that could possibly travel far enough to hit Alaska, the country itself already has larger issues at stake.
    One of the main issues that North Korea is struggling with the most is poverty. On a daily basis, it faces lingering shortages of food, drinkable water and medical supplies. "The standard of living has deteriorated to extreme levels of deprivation in which the right to food security, health and other minimum needs for human survival are denied," according to a recent report by the Korea Institute for National Unification, a research group based in Seoul.
    Also, analysts think that the country may collapse at some point, whether it is due to mismanagement or rebellion insiders fed up with disastrous economic policies and relentless repression.
    Although North Korea struggles economically, it still has a relatively strong military, which makes me think that it is very possible for an attack. North Korea’s threats are not empty. In fact, North Korea’s previous launches are becoming more and more successful by the day. On Saturday night, the 29th of July, North Korea had conducted another successful test of an ICBM, but this time it was proven to have the ability to strike America’s mainland. This is a threat to the United States national security.
    Bri was right, the THADD system is in fact a hit or a miss. However, if North Korea did decide to attack and the THADD system worked correctly, it would prevent thousands or even millions of American casualties. It is an ongoing risk that Donald Trump and his administration must be willing to make.

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  3. From my point of view, the new defense system THAAD will be very successful, although I think this new technological advancement will not be needed in future events. Just because North Korea has gotten stronger, that does not mean the United States has gotten weaker. If anything the United States has gotten stronger especially with this new defense system THAAD. I believe North Korea will not attack the Unites States because of THAAD. Although I think THAAD is a great idea, I can see where fellow Americans come from onto why they think Donald Trump should be more cautious. If it weren't to work I don't think he should get criticized since he is only trying to protect our country. I believe we should put THAAD to the test before using it against North Korea, not only to show we will be ready if they try to attack but also make the American people feel more confident in THAAD. Personally, I don't think North Korea will attack since we too have grown stronger and we have many allies that would protect us if War were too come upon us. North Korea should dread the day of being in a War with the United States.

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