North Korea recently proved to the world that they can explode a nuclear device. This is serious stuff and the concern is mounting here in Australia about the possible threat North Korea poses to the security of our region. Inspired by an interview on Channel Nine’s breakfast news programme, The Today Show, I decided to compile a list of frequently asked questions regarding the possibilities of a nuclear-armed North Korea.
The North Korean Nuclear Weapons Programme FAQ
Q. Could North Korea launch a nuclear weapon at Australia?
A. No. Even if they did have the technology to deliver a nuclear device via missile, their range extends only about 2000 kilometres at best.
Q. How would the government respond if North Korea launched a nuclear missile at Australia?
A. It wouldn’t need to. North Korea has no such missile, and Australia is well beyond the range of their missile technology. Any long-ranged missile of this type developed in the future would probably be aimed at the US.
Q. Would the North Koreans strike our major cities, or would they attempt to radiate our agriculture?
A. Neither. North Korea does not possess the technology to deliver a nuclear device that could reach Australia. It cannot attack Australia.
Q. Are the North Koreans more likely to nuke Sydney than Melbourne?
A. No, because North Korea does NOT have the capability to launch a nuclear weapon at Australia.
Q. Would the fallout from a nuclear attack produce a nightmarish post-apocalyptic wasteland in which Mel Gibson roams the desert battling other tribes for survival, ala Mad Max?
A. Irrelevant. There will NOT be any nuclear fallout, as there will NOT be a North Korean nuclear attack on Australia!
Q. Will bottle-caps become the new currency in the Year Zero?
A. I don’t know.
Q. I decide to re-locate my family to a high-tech bomb shelter deep underground in anticipation of the coming nuclear attack. I soon run out of dehydrated foods. Should I eat my eldest children first?
A. …
Q. When the radiation diminishes and it becomes safe for us to emerge, which weapon should we use to fight off the hideous mutant freaks?
A. A shotgun I guess.
Q. I live in Adelaide. Should I be concerned?
A. Yes.
**
Well there you have it. I hope you’re all marginally less informed about the coming Armageddon than you were before. Good luck creating a new and better society over the rubble of civilisation!
This is PJK, signing off from P'yŏngyang.
5 comments:
The woman I saw on the Today Show was trying really hard to talk up this whole issue by basically implying that Australia could be the target of a North Korean nuclear missile (ie. typical media sensationalism), and the guy she was interviewing who was an expert on North Korea was just like, no, that could NOT happen. Snubbed! I thought it was hilarious. Then what happens next? She just totally ignored it and went on to the next question. Didn't even acknowledge his response.
Srsly, we Australians are so self-absorbed. Who cares if South Korea and Japan are both in range, are WE in range?! Are you sure? Ok, back to the cricket.
Besides, sif North Korea would waste a nuke on us. Pffft.
Multiple stage variants of the Taepodong missile extend farther than 2000km. Their present capability is 4500km and they are working on a system, using existing technology (just increasing the stages) that can reach 9000km. If you want to understate the threat to Australia based on the fact that you aren't a likely target, that's fine. But don't think distance protects Australian interests from madmen.
so uh, will the missile only reach long enough to destroy our interests?
Nevermind. Enjoy your immunity from attack.
I'm not in denial or anything JSB. What can I do about this? It's not like I have any power to influence global politics. Unfortunately, like you said, it's the madmen who'll determine what happens next.
I'm just trying to see the lighter side of nuclear war. Which isn't hard when they have a missile called the "Taepodong" (see: Daily Show, Youtube).
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