Firestorm rising

In the meanwhile, North Korea 8212; which has acquired nuclear weapons 8212; has been ratcheting up its posture announcing possession of nuclear weapons and reprocessing weapons-grade material estimated to make up to six more nuclear bombs during the year. It is demanding direct negotiations with the US which the latter, in its stated policy of regime change of countries on its list of the axis of evil, simply refuses to indulge in.

The nearest it has gone so far is to apply diplomatic pressure on China to co-operate in de-nuclearising North Korea. Reports of as many as 200 nuclear-capable intermediate range ballistic missiles with a range that covers all of Japan being deployed by North Korea is bound to add to the tensions. What it means for Japan8217;s future defence policy is also fairly clear.

The international community at large, and the UN in particular, appears to be overly sanguine about the situation, which is inexorably sliding into deeper confrontation, possibly leading to a shooting war. Even the exchange of nuclear weapons technology and ballistic missiles between Pakistan and North Korea has not received the attention it deserves.

The risks for the future are far from being addressed. The world would make a serious mistake in allowing the clandestine trade in nuclear weapons and delivery systems. We ourselves need to remember that North Korea8217;s supply of ballistic missiles for nuclear delivery to Pakistan has placed the whole of our country at risk from nuclear attack.