5...4...3...2...1...BOMBS AWAY!

Well, in North Korea's case, it's more "missiles" away, but the threat is equally frightening.

After many threats, North Korea launched its rocket (Japan and several other nations are calling it a "ballistic missile") approximately at 11:30 A.M. Sunday (N. Korea time). Though this launch may be another mere test of its missile launching capabilities, the U.S., Japan, and the United Nations are very concerned. An emergency meeting has been set for tomorrow, Sunday, April 6, in New York to discuss this matter. Japan, in particular, has taken several security measures since N. Korea's missile launch in 1998; they will be on extreme alert at this time, more prepared than they were eleven years ago.

However, not only is the world itself in danger, but South Korea faces an imminent peril. With North Korea located on the same peninsula, South Korea's Blue House has set all its military units on red alert. Will South Korea be safe, or will its northern neighbor push forward to cause more distress?

Personally, I don't think North Korea would be foolish enough to continue to openly defy the United Nations and to further disrupt the global tranquility. To go against several powerful nations such as the United States and Japan, along with several others, would take serious planning and strong alliances.

Is North Korea merely trying to claim its place in the world as a fellow nation of power, or are there other unknown motives?

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