Stephen Lendman

The right of self-defense is sacrosanct. International law affirms it, including in the UN Charter.

North Korea is threatened by possible US aggression. Without powerful deterrent weapons, it’s defenseless, an unacceptable situation no responsible leadership would permit.

That’s why it continues developing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities - for defense, not offense. Pyongyang never preemptively attacked another country in its entire history. It threatens none now despite phony US accusations otherwise. Washington needs to claim the fiction of a North Korean threat to maintain its northeast Asia military presence. The DPRK is a convenient punching bag, China and Russia the real targets.

If North Korea didn’t exist, it would have to be invented. Creating nonexistent threats is how America justifies its menacing military presence worldwide - the US, NATO, Israel and their rogue allies the only legitimate threats to humanity.

On Friday, Pyongyang conducted its latest ballistic missile test, a clear response to new Security Council sanctions it rejects.

Reports indicated the missile flew 3,700 km (2,300 miles), reaching an altitude of 770 km (478 miles). It overflew Japan’s Hokkaido island, splashing down harmlessly in Pacific waters - sending a clear message to America that it won’t be cowed by its hostile actions.

Rex Tillerson responded belligerently, demanding China and Russia take “direct actions” against Pyongyang, “indicat(ing) their intolerance” for these launches.

Japanese Prime Minister Sinzo Abe sounded like Nikki Haley, calling the DPRK’s latest test a “dangerous provocative action that threatens world peace.”

It’s unclear so far what type missile was tested, likely an intermediate-range Hwasong-12. South Korea conducted live-fire missile drills in response.

National Security Council meetings were called in Seoul and Tokyo. A closed-door Security Council meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Let’s see if I have this straight. It’s OK for America, Britain, France, Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Israel to have nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, including tests conducted in their development.

Despite a real threat to its security, it’s unacceptable for North Korea to have the same weapons it wants solely as defensive deterrents against feared US aggression.

The disturbing double standard needs no explanation. As long as America threatens Pyongyang’s security, it’ll continue testing and developing its powerful weapons.

Counterproductive sanctions create a greater urgency to be as prepared as possible to deter possible US aggression.

Washington needs adversarial relations with Pyongyang, as explained above. Its tactics include hostile sanctions, threats, saber rattling and other provocations.

Expect more of the same following North Korea’s latest test - including likely unilateral US sanctions if Russia and China reject tougher Security Council ones.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

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