The basics are that a young, irrational leader of an small nation who has been tutored to think he can be important to the world only by threatening the U.S. with nuclear weapons, that his country cannot afford.  In reality, he is a military threat only to his neighbors, primarily South Korea and, to a lesser extent, Japan.

The Trump Administration has announced the end of the failed “strategic patience” with North Korea, and I applaud that decision.  But, there is still a need for “tactical patience” — enough patience to harden the defenses of South Korea but no more.

Kim Jung Un is too unschooled, too insulated, and too irrational to survive.  He will unwittingly let his country be destroyed to prove his brilliance.  He will also show no mercy toward South Korea and will kill as many South Koreans as possible.  We cannot save North Korea, but we can save South Korea.

And, we should!

The aftermath will be messy.  South Korea might want control of or reunification with North Korea as compensation for their losses.  China does not want a common border with a U.S. ally.  I expect another buffer nation like North Korea will be established at considerable cost, which China and South Korea can afford.  At least, the next leader of North Korea is likely to be rational and stop threatening the U.S..