Uh oh

[Gunmaster45]

I say we just send Michael Jordon over to North Korea to play Kim Jong Il in a game of basketball. Il is obsessed with basketball (not even kidding), and has wanted to play Michael Jordon for some time. I think if we sent Jordon over, the chance of him beating that midget at B-Ball would be high, and then Jordon could overthrow Il as leader. And then everyone wins. Except Kim Jong Il. But fuck that guy.

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by Gunmaster45

I say we just send Michael Jordon over to North Korea to play Kim Jong Il in a game of basketball. Il is obsessed with basketball (not even kidding), and has wanted to play Michael Jordon for some time. I think if we sent Jordon over, the chance of him beating that midget at B-Ball would be high, and then Jordon could overthrow Il as leader. And then everyone wins. Except Kim Jong Il. But fuck that guy.

A midget who had a stroke versus a has-been NBA player? Hmmm, that might be a little more evenly matched than you'd think.

Also, Kim Jong-Un is about to succeed Jong-Il. That's what all this commotion is about.

[BurtReynoldsMoustache]

Originally Posted by MT2008

A midget who had a stroke versus a has-been NBA player? Hmmm, that might be a little more evenly matched than you'd think.

Also, Kim Jong-Un is about to succeed Jong-Il. That's what all this commotion is about.

Is there a specific reason for this or do things just get all whacked out of control when power changes hands?

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by BurtReynoldsMoustache

Is there a specific reason for this or do things just get all whacked out of control when power changes hands?

In a regime like that of the DPRK, he who appears most nationalistic and willing to slap the Yankees in the face is seen as most fit to lead. So it's all about who can out-posture the opposition. Not appearing sufficiently militant can lead to political weakness.

[funkychinaman]

I think if we can sell China on the idea of installing a Chinese-style communist regime in place of Kim and sons, we can make some progress. Reunification makes sense culturally and emotionally, but is a nightmare politically and economically, and thus is not really a realistic option. The Chinese get to keep their buffer, one that they have better control of, that buffer is more stable and progressive, with an improved standard of living for their people, and no one is committing random acts of war against South Korea. Basically, the only people who wouldn't benefit would be Kim and sons. Once China signs off on it, it's on!

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by funkychinaman

I think if we can sell China on the idea of installing a Chinese-style communist regime in place of Kim and sons, we can make some progress. Reunification makes sense culturally and emotionally, but is a nightmare politically and economically, and thus is not really a realistic option. The Chinese get to keep their buffer, one that they have better control of, that buffer is more stable and progressive, with an improved standard of living for their people, and no one is committing random acts of war against South Korea. Basically, the only people who wouldn't benefit would be Kim and sons. Once China signs off on it, it's on!

That's the closest thing to a possibility I could imagine. But it's still highly unlikely. Moreover, if North Korea even suspected China was willing to do that, there's no telling what they would do in retaliation. It's not a coincidence that most of the DPRK's ballistic missile bases were built as far to the east of the peninsula (read: as far from the PRC) as possible.

[funkychinaman]

Originally Posted by MT2008

That's the closest thing to a possibility I could imagine. But it's still highly unlikely. Moreover, if North Korea even suspected China was willing to do that, there's no telling what they would do in retaliation. It's not a coincidence that most of the DPRK's ballistic missile bases were built as far to the east of the peninsula (read: as far from the PRC) as possible.

I think if the Red Chinese drop enough subtle hints to the NK military that all they want is the Kims out of the way, a settlement can be reached. Once they lose China, who else will they have to turn to? If those generals are even a bit pragmatic, they have to know they're screwed without China's backing.

And if NK missiles can reach China, you can be sure Chinese missiles can reach NK.