The war in Syria has been great for North Korea
WRITTEN BY
Steve Mollman
April 19, 2017
The civil war in Syria, which began in 2011, has been a tragedy for millions of people, including refugees fleeing the violence and residents caught in the crossfire. But for North Koreas ruling elite, the conflict has in many ways been a good thing.
Since the 1960s, North Korea has sold arms and equipment to Syria, and provided other sorts of military-to-military assistance, such as training and technical assistance. Of particular importance, Pyongyang has helped develop Syrias chemical weapons and ballistic missile programs.
Today, North Korea, faced with United Nations sanctions over its ongoing missile and nuclear tests, denies providing such assistance to Syria. But evidence has emerged suggesting that in one way or another, via front companies and elaborate logistics, war materials from North Korea have ended up in Syria, ultimately enriching the Kim regime.
Its a gold mine for North Korea, said Bruce Bechtol, a political science professor at Angelo State University in Texas whos penned a handful of books on the country. This is the best thing thats ever happened to North Koreaas long as Syria doesnt fall, which could happen.
https://qz.com/962995/the-war-in-syria-has-been-great-for-north-korea/