N.Korea Completes ‘Important’ Test of Spy Satellite

    Photo: News Agencies via Al Jazeera

    The Facts

    • North Korean state media on Monday reported that it had conducted an "important, final phase" test in the development of a military reconnaissance satellite. The country plans to have the satellite completed by April 2023.

    • This follows reports from South Korea and Japan that the North has launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward its east coast. According to analysts, developing such a satellite would provide North Korea with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as they share similar technology.


    The Spin

    Republican narrative

    You can’t blame Kim Jong-un for flexing North Korea’s military muscle when Biden is recklessly saber-rattling with Taiwan and China — how does he know the US won't also team up with South Korea for an invasion of the North? Trump's relationship with, and policies towards North Korea maintained stability in the Korean Peninsula.

    Democratic narrative

    Kim Jong-Un's geopolitical actions have been erratic, and his missile launches are destabilizing the Peninsula. Instead of provoking a confrontation, the leader should take the Biden administration up on its offer to meet without preconditions, and settle any grievances peacefully. Biden is showing strength and prudence in the region.

    Nerd narrative

    There is a 36% chance that, if there's an offensive detonation anywhere by 2050, there will be at least one resulting fatality in North Korea, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


    Political split

    LEFT

    RIGHT

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