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by trgv 3169 days ago
I don't think the threats are credible. I don't see what NK would gain from "nuking Guam," besides the end of their country.

It's just posturing, and "putting Nuclear Bombers on 24-hour alert" is also just posturing.

3 comments

"'putting Nuclear Bombers on 24-hour alert' is also just posturing."

It also raises the risk of unintentional nuclear exchange.

The world has come close to nuclear war multiple times as a result of miscommunication, equipment failure, or accident.

The more nukes world leaders are waving about, the greater the risks.

The threats are credible in that they would have no qualms about executing them, not in that they will fail to be averted.

> It's just posturing, and "putting Nuclear Bombers on 24-hour alert" is also just posturing.

That's exactly my point: there's nothing one-sided about this. DPRK is playing their hand, the U.S. must play theirs.

> the U.S. must play theirs

Or, as the far stronger side, the US could de-escalate. Not only is this the less-risky option, but it would also garner global respect/admiration for the US - something that has been in short supply for a long time.

How do you suggest they de-escalate (without the use of military posturing) a situation where DPRK threatens the very existence of two of our greatest allies, perpetually? I'm sure you realize that if DPRK is left to their own devices, they will develop a sufficient deterrent to simply saunter into ROK, and face no foreign intervention.
>I don't see what NK would gain from "nuking Guam," besides the end of their country.

Guam appears to be an internet hub for a few relatively important lines.

"The SEA-US cable system will link the five areas and territories of Manado in Indonesia, Davao in Southern Philippines; Piti in the territory of Guam; as well as Honolulu (on the island of Oahu), Hawaii; and Los Angeles, California in the continental U.S." [1]

[1] https://www.submarinenetworks.com/systems/trans-pacific/sea-...

Here's the global map:

https://www.submarinecablemap.com/#/landing-point/piti-guam