| The execution of Jang Song Thaek and the implications | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 13 2013, 11:32 AM (539 Views) | |
| diggerjohn111 | Dec 13 2013, 11:32 AM Post #1 |
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Frozen Wasteland Pedestrian, Official Server Old Guy & Bruce Springsteen Impersonator
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With the execution of Kim Jong Un's uncle Jang Song Thaek North Korea has likely begun history's last fling with a genuine Stalinist purge. Naturally with a secretive, ultra-paranoid state we have little idea of what is truly going on there. But it is generally viewed by experts of North Asia as a sign of the mass executions of hundreds, if not thousands of people the regime decides to conveniently link to the late Jang. While that may be a tragic outcome, it may not be the worst thing that comes of this rather shocking turn of events. No one saw this coming, and it could indicate a serious turn of events in Pyongyang. Not a turn that could indicate a liberalization of the Hermit State, but rather a likely sign of severe instability in the country. This could mark a coming crisis where North Korea's government fully collapses or loses control of sections of the country, or at least its borders - leaving them porous and giving the ROK and China the worst refugee crisis since the end of the Second World War. While South Korea and her allies in east Asia and in the West do support gradual re-unification of the Korean peninsula, with the democratic Seoul government in charge, it fears an East Germany style collapse of the PDRK - with an economic fall-out that could rock local and global markets for a generation. It also brings about the terrifying prospect of ROK-US coalition forces standing tank to tank with the formidable People's Liberation Army of China inside the borders of a chaotic North Korea. This is one state in the world where the interests of the United States, China and Russia are directly converged in one place. The steaks are high and the paranoia of all concerned is justified. The media may be concentrating on the latest domestic scandals, or the latest social media trends, but they would be sadly mistaken and irresponsible to ignore the terrifying days ahead inside the borders of the world's last truly Stalinist state. |
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| Square | Dec 13 2013, 12:50 PM Post #2 |
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Controversial
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Woah, really? The North Korean Goverment is a mess, and korea could end up further divided. (South North Korea, People's Republic of North Korea, North Korean Federation?) I hope this dosent escalate to a communist purge, like the cultural revolution, but no country in their right mind would get iinvolved, as a "scramble for north korea" would probably unfold. Unlike Cuba which i cant deny having an affinity for (I mean, what other country has so openly stood out against the US, something several Canadians and Europeans wish they could do, and anyway its a very good country to live in now) North Korea is a menace to the world, which abuses its citizens and its nuclear material (But note the UK hasn't forged any Dodgy dossiers and the US doing iraq all over again) I hope that this does result in the DPRK being deposed, and true socialism and modern industrialisation is implemented. |
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| B-29 Bomber | Dec 13 2013, 03:13 PM Post #3 |
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She is not amused at Fegelein. FEGELEIN!! FEGELEIN!! FEGELEIN!!!
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I say let North Korea burn. They fucking deserve it. Fuck it. |
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| diggerjohn111 | Dec 13 2013, 09:11 PM Post #4 |
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Frozen Wasteland Pedestrian, Official Server Old Guy & Bruce Springsteen Impersonator
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Um as a Canadian have to ask; "stand up to the US"? Why would we need to? For what? Do you know anything about Canada? We are doing pretty well with our neighbours, and have for the last two centuries. Except for a rather large misunderstanding in 1812, we tend to get along just fine. We have the largest cross border trade in the world and up here we have a VERY high standard of living largely thanks to our close, friendly ties. I spent time in the US at university, and they made me feel right at home. They actually LIKED the idea of a Canadian being in their midst. There aren't too many other places in the world you can say that about , about any foreign nationals, and trust me I am well traveled. So before you continue going on and trashing the nationality of about 85% of the community; How about getting to know them? Edited by diggerjohn111, Dec 13 2013, 09:48 PM.
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| Nwahs | Dec 14 2013, 05:29 AM Post #5 |
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Bernanke is my Bae
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Well said. On the topic at hand: I'm not extremely well-read on North Korea, so most of what I can say about this is unintelligent conjecture from reading the news and internet sources of dubious reliability. Even so, I wouldn't be so quick as to say that collapse is imminent really, for all we know these actions could be a means for Kim Jong-Un to consolidate power right now. As I said, I don't know much about this. But if it does turn out that the events are the harbinger of the mess that is about to come, then I think it warrants quite a lot of attention, especially with the societal, economic and geopolitical consequences that you have mentioned. For now, I'll leave the judgement to the experts on NK, I don't think it's fair to jump into conclusions about what is happening right now. Digger, I remember you said once that you specialised in Russian History or something. China and the US/ROK may arguably be the parties most directly affected by the potential collapse of NK, as you have mentioned border tensions and all. Given that, how would Russia be involved in such a scenario, in your opinion? |
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| Square | Dec 14 2013, 09:21 AM Post #6 |
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Controversial
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I'm sorry, I just knew that a few Canadians have resentment towards the NAFTA and it's predecessors. I didn't mean to insult you, your country, or the US in anyway, and a know its a vocal minority of Canadians opposed to Amero-Canadian free trade. I like Americans on the whole, and I find them kind and friendly, (I just dislike their government's policies towards certain things). Edited by Square, Dec 14 2013, 09:24 AM.
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| B-29 Bomber | Dec 16 2013, 03:44 PM Post #7 |
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She is not amused at Fegelein. FEGELEIN!! FEGELEIN!! FEGELEIN!!!
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Thanks, Digger. At least someone is willing to at least say something, not bad about my country... Anyway if Americans were ANYTHING like what their critics say they are, we'd be worse than the Domination of Draka(believe you me, that's bad!). |
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| bonecanoe86 | Dec 16 2013, 04:41 PM Post #8 |
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Administrator and Diehard KingofdaHipHop Fanboy
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I don't feel like the collapse of the North Korean system is imminent. The social conditioning that the people have been under for more than sixty years have rendered them almost completely incapable of imagining another life or system than the one they have lived under. Kim-Jong-Un could call 100,000 people into a public square and shoot 50,000 and the other 50,000 would tearfully thank him for kindly sparing them. We can't make the mistake of thinking that they think the same way we do. |
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| Square | Dec 16 2013, 06:30 PM Post #9 |
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Controversial
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Except there's a few. Their situation is sad, but if they can be exposed to New Chinese or South Korean way of life (they'll resist anything Japanese or US) they could liberate themselves. Of course many would disregard it, but North Korea is (or was) becoming more liberal. As long as the citizens are treated well, I couldn't give a damn if they don't want foreign products and services |
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| bonecanoe86 | Dec 17 2013, 09:58 PM Post #10 |
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Administrator and Diehard KingofdaHipHop Fanboy
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I think that even if the North Korean regime was somehow peacefully dismantled--which is just about impossible given the ideology at play and the size of their military--it would take a generation--that is to say 25-30 years--before they could be politically integrated with South Korea. The depth of difference between the culture and mindsets of the people of North and South Korea--not to mention their economic condition--is so vast that it makes the differences between West and East Germany look like as minor as the differences between northern and southern England by comparison. |
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