Andrew DuBois

Staff Writer

    The North Korean government announced earlier this month that it plans on carrying out new long-ranged rocket tests directed at confrontation toward the “sworn enemy of the Korean people” which they believe to be the United States. U.S Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta said that we have not real way of being sure that they are conducting these tests or not because they do the tests in such secrecy.

    The announcement comes after the United Nations security council resolution that condemned a recent long-ranged rocket test and expanded sanctions on the country. This is not the first time that the North Korean government has threatened the United States and Daniel Pinkston doesn’t think it will be the last. Pinkston, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group covering North East Asia, said that "I don't believe they have the capability, the intention or the will to invade or destroy the United States. They wish to deter interference from the U.S. or any outside powers."