U.S. spy chiefs see domestic motive in North Korean rhetoric

[Zorro]

U.S. spy agencies believe the recent bellicose rhetoric from North Korea is mainly an effort by leader Kim Jong-un to demonstrate he is firmly in command, National Intelligence Director James Clapper said on Thursday.

U.S. intelligence also believes China, North Korea's neighbor and traditional protector, is becoming increasingly frustrated with Kim's behavior, Clapper said.

North Korea's new leader, who is estimated to be around 30, is pursuing Pyongyang's long-standing strategy of using threats to push the international community to negotiate and provide aid, Clapper told a hearing of the House Intelligence Committee.

"I don't think he really has much of an end game other than to somehow elicit recognition from the world, specifically the United States ... of North Korea's arrival on the scene as a nuclear power," Clapper said.

http://news.yahoo.com/u-spy-chiefs-see-domestic-motive-north-korean-174854184.html

I'm curious as to whether recent events may also be a ploy by Lil' Kim to get more food aid and economic assistance from China.

[tech3149]

1. I think it goes beyond domestic politics

Just as his father before him, I think the goal is to normalize relations and reduce the level of isolation imposed on NK. Remember it seems like every other year for the last few decades they stepped up the sabre rattling and then tried to establish dialog to negotiate for some concessions from the western world, like food for nuclear constraint.
I may be a bit fuzzy on the facts but wasn't it when Clinton was in office and Carter went to NK and made real progress? But then Bush the lesser got into office and hyped the "Axis of Evil" and then the sabre rattling started again?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

2. He's desperate

If China cuts off their supply NK would really be in trouble. However, this fellow is crazy enough to unleash his inferior weapons on China and those countries around him. China needs to sort him out once and for all.

[Zorro]

3. What if this actually is a ploy to extort more aid from China instead of the West?

That's an intriguing speculation.

After all, NK is more closely aligned with China, and probably would be more inclined to emulate them economically instead of making agreements and concessions with SK, Japan, or the US.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

4. I don't know

China are getting tired of them though.

[kardonb]

5. Kim Baby

not a dime or aid for this little punk . If he pulls any stupid stunt , he will be wiped off the face of the earth 10 min. later .

[kiri]

6. provide human growth hormone

In return for more sane dialog, we should offer to reduce the sanctions enough to send human growth hormone to l'il Kim.