By SYDNEY J. FREEDBERG JR.
WASHINGTON: The deployment of improved US missile defenses to Korea, THAAD, comes at a time of growing disorder across the region.
There is one constant in this equation but three major unknowns. The constant is theTHAAD system itself, whose capabilities — almost six times the maximum range of current Patriot missile defenses and roughly five times the maximum altitude — will definitely improve the defenses of South Korea against missile attack. The variables are:
- South Korea has impeached its right-wing president. The leading candidate to replace her is a dove who’s questioned the THAAD deployment and urged outreach to North Korea. Will Seoul go wobbly?
- China has aggressively rattled sabers in the East and South China Seas — including deploying missile defenses on disputed islets — but often with counterproductive results, driving alarmed neighbors towards the US. Will Beijing relent?
- North Korea has gone beyond engaging in internationally condemned missile launches and nuclear tests into James Bond villainy, recruiting young women to kill its boy dictator’s exiled half-brother with nerve gas. Is Pyongyang going nuts?
Read the full story at Breaking Defense