Radioactive Cloud Would Kick Off War

‘North Korea has not tested a nuclear device, but recent satellite images indicate Pyongyang may be making preparations for one’

N. Korea 'may have 5 or 6 nukes'

Or they may not! I hate those kinds of headlines. In any case:

‘A former CIA official was cited in the Washington Post last week as painting a nightmare scenario if radioactive fallout from such a test drifted toward Japan.’

‘Washington could debate whether to impose a blockade.’

‘"I'm not sure it is very far-fetched," ElBaradei said about the scenario.’

A blockade would be the least of Crazy Kim’s problems if a nuclear cloud cruised over Japan. There are several issues that the Japanese take very seriously including bad rice, late trains and nukes. As the only country to have been on the wrong end of a nuclear attack, I don’t think they would look too kindly on a radioactive cloud hanging over Ginza. I think an Israeli style targeting of North Korea’s nuclear facilities would ensue. They may call it a self defense force, but Japan has a very capable military. And, of course, all out war would result, bringing in the US, South Korea, and possibly China (though I’m not sure on which side). And what is the IAEA going to do about it?

‘"We cannot do very much as an international institution right now on this issue other than to express concern,"’

Well isn’t that lovely.

Kim is most likely attempting to bluff his way to more free oil, but a test of a nuclear device may invoke a reaction that he is not expecting.