Cadence of Conflict: Asia, December 4, 2017

The US is gearing up for a demonstration of it’s new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets. North Korea is providing the perfect opportunity. When all is done, be ready to count the headlines in which the F-35s appear.

There are a variety of factors in the North Korean conflict. As you count them, don’t exclude the need for the US to show force in the region. Just two examples include Putin’s manners in Crimea—where Russian soldiers flew a flag over a building they had taken before a proper referendum became final—along with China not playing by UN rules with its man-made islands, yet remaining a UN member. There are other situations in the region.

Suffice it to say that North Korea is a perfect opportunity for the US to beat its chest and clear its throat for all to hear. Were there no such need, the US military presence might be a lot more low-key in the process of North Korea’s government being on the way out anyway. Always remember that Washington occasionally thinks like Hollywood—in the White House as in the Capital Building and at the Pentagon. America loves theatrics and, knowingly or otherwise, nearly all Pacific nations played their roles as the foil.

Once Korea becomes one nation, tryouts for the next performance will likely soon follow.

US orders 16,000 troops and 230 jets to get ready for WAR with North Korea TODAY | Daily Star

Hawaii reinstates Cold-War era nuclear attack warning signal amid North Korea tension | KTIC Radio

‘We will take care of it!’ Trump says North Korea ICBM launch… | Daily Mail

North Korea fires off apparent long-range missile in challenge to Trump and Abe | Japan Times

(LEAD) N.K. may announce completion of nuke force next year: Seoul official | Yonhap News

North Korea fires missile towards Japan – possibly its most powerful yet | Guardian

North Korea’s New Missile Is Bigger and More Powerful, Photos Suggest | NY Times

U.S. warns North Korean leadership will be ‘utterly destroyed’ in case of war | Yahoo – Reuters

The Latest: Russia opposes further isolation of North Korea | AP

Six Minutes to Counterattack: South Korea Shows Plan to Strike Back at North’s Missiles | WSJ

China’s Alaska deal makes Russia shudder | Pravda Report