http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40931775
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reviewed plans to fire missiles towards the US Pacific territory of Guam but will hold off, state media said.
Although prepared for "the enveloping fire at Guam", the North said it would watch what "the foolish Yankees" do before taking a decision.
Last week's threat against Guam escalated the sharp rhetoric being exchanged between the two sides.
[...] The report on state news agency KCNA said Kim Jong-un "examined the plan for a long time" and discussed it with senior military officials.
The commander of North Korea's strategic force was now merely waiting for orders "after rounding off the preparations for the enveloping fire at Guam".
But, crucially, the report also said that Mr Kim would watch the US before making any decision, signalling an apparent deceleration in the provocative rhetoric.
Previously: North Korea Has Reportedly Miniaturized a Nuke, and is Threatening Guam
(Score: 3, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday August 15 2017, @03:28PM (3 children)
He didn't want to make an ash out of himself.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday August 15 2017, @07:56PM (2 children)
And after their heartfelt pleas and accordian tribute last night, decided that de-escalation was warranted, despite Trump's rhetoric.
I think at this point Oliver (despite his slant and occasional glaring omissions, faux pas, etc.) is probably the more credible source on everything short of direct military action on Trump/Congress' orders against North Korea.
And as pointed out, Kim's actions are mostly for the same reasons as those in Tyrant. Assuming he was willing to step down/lead a regular life, he's got no exit options from his position where he won't end up dead, made an example of, or live out his life, whether financially successful, or destitute. As such that gives him strong motivation to do whatever is needed to retain order, ensure his position, and keep things going until he has an heir who could manage it in his stead and ensure his own security until he ascends back to heaven as an immortal god alongside his grandfather and father.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday August 15 2017, @09:44PM
Yes, I'm sure he spends all his time listening to obscure polito-comedians in a language he doesn't understand.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday August 16 2017, @01:00PM
Idiocracy: where voters get their news from comedians and life experience from cable tv.