Night Watch's Townhall.com Column

North Korea Engages in Piracy

2013-05-23T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
This is another of the many annoyances with which the Chinese and South Koreans cope. In many of its external economic transactions, North Korea acts as a rogue and criminal enterprise.

North Korea Launches Missiles

2013-05-22T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Japanese government advisor Iijima had meetings with senior North Korean officials, including Kim Yong Nam. Kim is Chairman of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and acts as the head of state for protocol purposes.

Russia Shores Up Syria Defense Against "Foreign Navies"; Repeats No Libya Pledge

2013-05-19T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
The effect of these deliveries is to deter a UN resolution approving creation of a no-fly zone in Syria, as occurred in Libya which evolved into a NATO air combat campaign with limited ground intervention.

China Prepares for Clash In South China Sea

2013-05-18T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Many countries in Southeast Asia do not recognize the Chinese claims, so the vigor with which China enforces the claim directly influences regional relations and the likelihood of confrontations at sea.

North Korea Backing Off on Threats

2013-05-17T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Just one month ago North Korean threatened to bring nuclear fire on Tokyo. Now it is using a long standing issue to prevent complete isolation and engage Japan in talks.

North Korea Giving in to Japan

2013-05-16T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
The first visit by a foreign envoy reported in the press since the end of the period of high combat alert on 30 April suggests the North is open to some visitors who request access - even from Japan.

North Korean Brass Show Signs of Discontent

2013-05-15T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Three new generals in a year is a highly unusual turnover and a strong indicator that the senior ranks of the armed forces are unsettled. What is certain is that the general most associated with aggressive confrontation has been replaced.

Russia Continues to Arm Asad Government Against Al Qaida

2013-05-12T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said in an interview in Warsaw that Russia is filling already existing contracts and has the right to sell to the Asad government, still the only legitimate government in Syria.

North Korea Caves; Puts Missiles in Storage

2013-05-11T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
If the Chinese are exerting economic pressure against North Korea as punishment for refusing to listen to guidance, some reaction by North Korea should become evident soon.

Another Red Line for Israel?

2013-05-09T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Israel has shown that it will protect its interests and that the Syrian Integrated Air Defense System is penetrable.

North Korea Keeps Tensions High

2013-05-08T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Japan and South Korea announced they will maintain high vigilance against a surprise provocation since North Korea is capable of launching a missile from an operational missile base with little to no warning.

Update on American Being Held in North Korea

2013-05-07T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
That means that the North will not release Bae in return for apologies, bribes and promise, the usual media of exchange. However, if the UN lifted sanctions in return for his release, Bae would soon be on a flight out of Pyongyang.

US Citizen Being Held in North Korea

2013-05-03T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
During the past 20 years every American sentenced to hard labor has been released after negotiations, usually payment of a fine and serving some time in prison. However, Kim Jong Un has made a point of not following the precedents of his grandfather and father and of moving North Korea in new directions.

Hezbolla Sends Aid to Syrian Government

2013-05-02T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
In a speech by Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanese Hezbollah, it was confirmed that Hezbollah fighters are aiding government troops in Syria.

North Korea's Lack of Success

2013-05-01T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
What is apparent is that Kim Jong Un has put his country and population under significant stress and has little to show for it, whether measured in increased national readiness, increased personal loyalty or US recognition as a nuclear armed state. UN Sanctions remain in place. Kim refuses South Korean aid and international aid has dried up in a donation weary world. Kim still seems to need a victory.

NKorea to Escalate

2013-04-28T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
The new US sanctions legislation pending in Congress may provide the spark for the next North Korean escalation step.

China Set to Test New Aircraft Carrier

2013-04-27T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
A military spokesman confirmed Thursday that China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is set to conduct a high seas trials.

South Korea Tests the North's Intentions

2013-04-26T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
Politically the offer is a test of the North Korean leadership's ultimate intentions. In the past, Kim Chong-il typically raised tension in order to extort aid or other concessions from the South in return for a restoration of normality.

Japan Takes Tough Stand Against the Chinese

2013-04-25T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
China is arousing Japanese nationalism. With neither side backing down, clashes and tests of political and military resolve are unavoidable.

China Warns of Another North Korean Test

2013-04-24T00:01:00-04:00

Night Watch Column
General Fang's comments are the first time that China has provided even vague information about its judgment of future North Korean behavior.