Nicholas Kristoff just said that in the first day of a Korean war 1 million would

[applegrove]

die according to studies. Talking about risk of war with Trump in power. CNN Kristoff also said the the North Koreans broadcast every counterpunch Trump delivers to Um Kim Jong Un because it plays into kju hands.

[Wounded Bear]

1. And, I assume that number does not include use of nukes...

If it goes nukes, there will easily be 10 times that.

[roamer65]

2. Within months, billions will be dead.

When one of the nuclear powers gets backed into a corner in the conflict, out will come the nuclear weapons.

[Not Ruth]

3. 1M North Koreans or 1M South Koreans?

[applegrove]

4. In two days there would be 2 million dead. I think that is split between the two.

[Not Ruth]

8. I do not know what the split will be, but if America is involved, it is never even

In Iraq for example, it was 100:1

[applegrove]

9. Yes. But Seoul is so close to the border and there are so many conventional

rockets facing each other on the Korean Peninsula that it would be bad on both sides. Ignoring nuclear weapons even, it would be horrid.

[Doodley]

5. As long as Trump gets even for being called a dotard. That's all that matters.

[oberliner]

6. What does he think US policy towards N Korea should be?

No one seems to have a good answer for that one.

[Doodley]

7. Work with other nations, don't undermine diplomacy, and stay off Twitter.

[Blue_true]

10. Talk to them one on one.

First about agreeing to end the Korean War, then about nukes.

Remember, it was us who were Harry Truman's approval from nuking them and maybe China.

BTW, anyone that think China will let us decimate and ally of that country on it's doorstep really isn't playing with a full deck.

[roamer65]

11. On China...

[WinkyDink]

12. Your second sentence needs revision.

[Blue_true]

13. Why?

The US General that led the US war effort wanted to drop a nuke on North Korean positions. At that point China had entered in support of NC and our side was stalemated. Truman refused to use a nuke.

[Xolodno]

16. Russia as well, since they also share a border...

Both nations do not want US military assets parked next door. If KJU becomes "unmanageable"...they will be the first ones to uh...how shall I say.... "help him out with retirement". If anything, KJU is probably more scared of them than he is of us. Its the reason why he took out his brother.

For reunification to happen, Korea would have to demilitarize completely and implement a treaty that no foreign nation can have any presence....something the US is not ready to do.

[Blue_true]

17. Everyone has a price.

I wonder what price KJU and his top military people will take to "retire" to mansions in South France? Sounds silly, but given the alternatives, it may be the best thing on the table. We would have to promise KJU and his generals that we won't jail them after a few years.

[Xolodno]

21. Real question is; Who is willing to pay the price?

KJU and Co. probably won't trust any western nation, particularly when all the crimes come out and make the defendants in Nuremberg look like they should have gotten off with probation. They would have to "retire" to China...which makes China look bad. And the brat has a voracious "appetite" for vice and luxury.

South Korea's biggest fear is probably reunification. The north will be a huge drag on the economy, for a very long time...not too mention, a population that's going to need some serious therapy. This isn't West and East Germany unifying.

And the US doesn't want to lose a foothold in Korea while China is growing in power and claiming more and more territory and influence... plus Russia also stepping up its presence in the Pacific.

Again, KJU biggest problem isn't the US, its his allies. Him playing with a few nukes doesn't concern them and it serves their interest in keeping the US and SK at bay. The question becomes, when does he cross the line that even they take alarm? Smarter people than me probably know that.

In the mean time, its going to be lots of rhetoric by our government, sanctions, etc. but not much else. Well, assuming we have a sane government...

[Lifelong Protester]

14. I think "came" should be a different word...

Remember, it was us who came Harry Truman's approval from nuking them and maybe China.

I think that is what needs revision.

(this is to be a reply to Blue true.)

[Blue_true]

18. Regional lexicon.

In the South, we sometime use "came" like "was" or "were". I will edit to use were.

[Hoyt]

15. So far, we are the only country to have used nukes. Hope we don't do it again.

Even if dead and maimed are contained, it will throw the world into economic hell with the constant threat of worldwide nuclear destruction.

Even conventional war on scale needed to protect S Korea -- once bombs start flying -- will be destructive.

Screw Trump and his need to appear tough.

[Blue_true]

19. Lots of Americans love the tough guy act of that moron.

There are tens of millions of Americans that think we can stomp on anyone, even though we have not won a war since WWII.

[Hoyt]

20. Exactly. We haven't won a war since WWII and there was no need to fight

them with bombs and invader/occupiers.