Alva Review-Courier -

Stability on the Korean Peninsula has been an issue ever since the armistice on July 27,1953. With all the saber-rattling going on, with threats from North Korea that it will turn Seoul into “a sea of fire,” with the possibility of a nuclear-tipped rocket reaching the West Coast, we can no longer afford to do nothing.

Over time we’ve explored diplomatic channels to broker a freeze in the North’s nuclear program only to be repeatedly rebuked. Inducements included normalization of relations, offers of food and economic aid, and repeated attempts at guaranteeing sovereignty and security.

With no lasting results and North Korea’s desire to be excluded from the international community, it appears that their only ally, the Chinese, must step up and put a quietus on the situation. A miscalculation on either side could escalate into World War III, a price too high to pay.

Entities in the area: South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, mustn’t become pawns in the struggle for peace. The attempt at appeasement of the Nazis was counterproductive and the same type totalitarian government holds sway in North Korea.

As a cautious observer, it appears that the only change we can effect must come from within the country itself. A change in leadership is a remote possibility, but there remain other options that include increased satellite surveillance, improved anti-missile technology, both false senses of security, and pressure on the Chinese government.

Korea represents “the most dangerous and difficult security challenge we will face.” The last 100 days have proven it.