If North Korea launches such a strike, they will be incinerated shortly after and they must know this. The scary thing is, the old adage that "only a madman would start a nuclear war" certainly applies to Kim. One wonders if Iran is attacked, will Kim, realizing he is the only one left on the "axis of evil", may launch a strike figuring he has nothing to lose. And one wonders how far it will spread. If India sees an attack going on they might be tempted to launch on China, or vice versa. Its a very dangerous situation the world finds itself in.

Carlo, Miami,

In a way, NK has become a convenient international leverage for China. Although it is certainly not a cause-and-effect relationship, one cannot completely ignore the coicidence of the missile tests and the recent Tibet uproar. Chances are, NK had China's blessings this time, unlike the time when they tested the nuke. China, and to a lesser extent, Russia, will likely try to hold on to the status quo in NK for a while to come. As long as the west has bones to pick with totalitarian regimes like China and Russia, they will continue backing NK for leverage, and SK will have to work a lot harder for peace. While the south has much more advanced military technology, it is worrying that half of SK's population is concentrated near Seaul, a focused attack by NK might be incredibly effective.

John Smith, NYC, New York

I think this is something we really should be watching with a close eye. In my eyes this could start another World War if China was to join the North is it did in the days of the Korean War. I say this because China could use this as a way to declare war on the USA in attempts to take back provinces such as Taiwan, countries that the USA helped win there independency and backs there freedom to this day. Its sad but true, if this where to happen then the USA would not have much to work with seeing we already have our hands tied with the War in the Middle East and we are experiencing a slowing economy that comes with any war.

Will there ever be peace in this world?

Trey Takahashi, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America

Realise this indicates I have too much free time on my hands, but I calculated that if Kim fires his missiles at the US Naval base in Yokosuka, I should get a first class view here in the Japan Alps as they pass over. Assuming there is no cloud cover. Tricky calculation, you have to take into account zenithal projection. But were as psychotic and paranoid as Kim (not such a leap) and wanted to go for broke, a simultaneous attack on Japan and the US just might be the move I‘d make.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan Alps

You really think that Bush has influence over north Korea? I don't really view a war in Korea as such a bad thing, because it would lead to the liberation of the north korean people. Nobody seems to care much about them.

Ash, Longmont, Colorado

The UN tends to rest on its laurels until the fighting is already well under way. Rwanda and Darfur are examples that come to mind. I don't think US involvement is always good, but if you'll recall, the UN Coalition that came to South Korea's aid in 1950 was overwhelmingly made up of American troops. Either way, the situation is remarkably tense - 50 years of stalemate? Its just a matter of time.

Chris B, Syracuse, New York

The problem is that if Bush is involved the pre-emptive strike option could well become the preferred option leading to a very short, but incredibly calamitous nuclear exchange that could also start to involve other players.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it". Look at how the dominoes rolled in WW1...

Ian Graham, North Tamborine, Australia

Bush calm things? oh you mean like he did in Iraq and Afghanistan, because I'm not hearing about much calm there at the moment. Leave peace keeping to the UN its not Americas place to control and bully other nations.

Chris Bradley, Nottingham,

When the telephone rings at 3 am as in the Clinton advert, there is a very good chance the subject will be something that has happened in Korea. There is also a good chance that what happens will not be the result of a conscious decision of either North or South Korea, but a hair-trigger response of both to something that may not even happen, but will be seen by one or the other to have happened, resulting in an accidental war and millions of deaths. Such a conflict can't be reacted to, it can only be prevented in advance.

Christopher Hobe Morrison, Pine Bush, Ulster County, NY, USA

The notion that President Bush could calm anything defies reason.

rolf westgard, st paul, MN USA

This could be trouble; Bush needs to step in and calm the waters before the situation becomes more dangerous. One war is Korea was bad enough; we don't need another.

norm, acarlsbad, usa/calif.