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Originally Posted by Lapidator
I'm describing the situation from the POV of the PDRK ruling class.
They think its ok to let their people suffer.
I just don't think the ruling class suffers one bit under sanctions. It's the average citizen that does.
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But should we sacrifice the lives of 5 million or more ROK citizens and 50,000 US troops because PDRK citizens are suffering? No.
I honestly don't know. At least you're offering a solution. If it's true that countries like Russia, China, etc.al. won't care enough to get involved then I think military options might prove most efficient.
My biggest concern if we topple another crazy dictator is would we be opening an Asian version of Iraq? I wouldn't think so, but I have no idea how many factions are over there struggling for power. We'd have to have a deal already made with China, NK, Japan, etc. how they would split it up.
I agree the loss of life is always unpleasant during war. But if we were to take action, I don't see this as being much of a ground battle. I'm not even sure we could win a ground battle with NK. This would be a war prosecuted almost entirely from the air. It would have to be fought with overwhelming force and be one of the quickest fought and won wars in our history. And yes, ironically that might necessitate the use of nukes. There would be way too much loss of life otherwise.