Will Korean peninsula explode into inferno?
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury
Simmering tension in the Korean peninsula is nothing new since the end of the Korean war in 1953 as occasional clashes between the contending parties are a common feature of the bitter relations between the democratic South Korea and its rival communist North Korea. But the situation prevailing in the region at the moment is more serious than before as the global focus is now centered on the peninsula with anxiety running high whether the alarming signs discernible this time will really explode into a full-blown conflict.
Since the world's only superpower - the United States - is directly involved in the Korean imbroglio, one can easily realise the gravity of the situation. Countries across the globe are watching with great concern the fast developing situation in the Korean peninsula and most of them are keeping their fingers crossed about the shape of things to come in the days ahead. In the face of the deteriorating conditions in the area, it seems plausible that the tension may further exacerbate -- to the extent of engulfing the region in a wider conflict having far-reaching consequences. However, the silver-lining in the dark cloud is that the quarters which have great stakes in the crisis are all well aware of the dangers of a full-blown war and as such would possibly not risk it eventually. And a full-fledged conflict in the Korean region can be prevented only on the basis of such wisdom and sagacity.
The Korean crisis remains one of the unfortunate hang-overs of the past and the problem continues to bedevil global peace and stability. The division of the Korean peninsula had taken place broadly on the ideological line and that situation largely remains intact even today even though much waters have flown through the major rivers of the world. The two Germanys that were created in the similar democratic and communist lines do no longer exist and these have been united in a democratic spirit. Chancellor Angela Markel is now the head of the government of the united Germany although she had grown up in the communist East Germany.
The Korean story is different. Though there were occasions when the two Koreas demonstrated admirable signs of coming closer, there is no sign yet of jettisoning the bitter enmity and hostility, let alone their unification. Divided families across their borders were allowed to meet and arrangements were made by both Seoul and Pyongyang to facilitate closer links. The thaw was much appreciated all over the world as the peace-loving people started feeling that the basic character of the Korean tangle was possibly moving towards drastic changes for the better. Many had also heaved a sigh of relief that one of the most complex global conflicts appeared to be on a track towards a settlement.
But the hope was unfortunately short-lived as the developments to follow later belied the positive aspects and two Koreas once again returned to the same old game of belligerence. As a sequel to this condition, the Korean peninsula now is on the brink of a war and efforts are continuing to reverse the recent developments as far as possible.
Needless to say, world's powerful nations are involved in the Korean crisis in varying degrees as this makes the tangle largely intractable. The United States and the other Western countries are obviously the backers of the democratic South Korea which has made laudable progress in economic fields. On the other hand, the communist North Korea remains mired in a myriad of economic problems, but has transformed itself into a strong military nation that sends shivers down the spines of many regional countries. The United States has stationed a substantial number of troops in the south for protecting its ally against any possible attack from the north, the hard-line reclusive Stalinist communist regime. No wonder, the north finds enormous support and goodwill in communist China and former socialist giant Soviet Union. Now that the latter has disintegrated, Beijing is the only major ally of the north.
As the tension is now running high stemming from bombardment of the disputed island in South Korea by North Korea, Western nations lost no time in condemning the north. Even the Russian Federation came out with strong criticisms. But China has called for revival of the six-nation dialogue on North Korea, which is believed to have clandestinely developed its nuclear power. The possession of atomic power has emboldened the north and it can flex muscles even against the big powers like the United States, which had vowed to protect South Korea at any cost.
The United States has moved quickly in preparation of the likely conflict and several war ships, including the nuclear-powered "George Washington", are now in the vicinity of the conflict zone while Washington and Seoul are engaged in a joint military exercise. China has criticised this military drill while North Korea says it would face any eventuality and has already deployed missiles. Other powerful countries are also evolving their mechanisms in view of the disconcerting developments.
The situation in the Korean peninsula is really dangerous, threatening world peace and tranquillity and if any conflagration does incidentally and unfortunately break out, that is unlikely to remain confined within a small parameter. The consequences are simply unimaginable and as such all concerned would expect the involved parties would show restraint and refrain themselves from taking any step that may further compound an already volatile situation.
zaglulbss@yahoo.com
Simmering tension in the Korean peninsula is nothing new since the end of the Korean war in 1953 as occasional clashes between the contending parties are a common feature of the bitter relations between the democratic South Korea and its rival communist North Korea. But the situation prevailing in the region at the moment is more serious than before as the global focus is now centered on the peninsula with anxiety running high whether the alarming signs discernible this time will really explode into a full-blown conflict.
Since the world's only superpower - the United States - is directly involved in the Korean imbroglio, one can easily realise the gravity of the situation. Countries across the globe are watching with great concern the fast developing situation in the Korean peninsula and most of them are keeping their fingers crossed about the shape of things to come in the days ahead. In the face of the deteriorating conditions in the area, it seems plausible that the tension may further exacerbate -- to the extent of engulfing the region in a wider conflict having far-reaching consequences. However, the silver-lining in the dark cloud is that the quarters which have great stakes in the crisis are all well aware of the dangers of a full-blown war and as such would possibly not risk it eventually. And a full-fledged conflict in the Korean region can be prevented only on the basis of such wisdom and sagacity.
The Korean crisis remains one of the unfortunate hang-overs of the past and the problem continues to bedevil global peace and stability. The division of the Korean peninsula had taken place broadly on the ideological line and that situation largely remains intact even today even though much waters have flown through the major rivers of the world. The two Germanys that were created in the similar democratic and communist lines do no longer exist and these have been united in a democratic spirit. Chancellor Angela Markel is now the head of the government of the united Germany although she had grown up in the communist East Germany.
The Korean story is different. Though there were occasions when the two Koreas demonstrated admirable signs of coming closer, there is no sign yet of jettisoning the bitter enmity and hostility, let alone their unification. Divided families across their borders were allowed to meet and arrangements were made by both Seoul and Pyongyang to facilitate closer links. The thaw was much appreciated all over the world as the peace-loving people started feeling that the basic character of the Korean tangle was possibly moving towards drastic changes for the better. Many had also heaved a sigh of relief that one of the most complex global conflicts appeared to be on a track towards a settlement.
But the hope was unfortunately short-lived as the developments to follow later belied the positive aspects and two Koreas once again returned to the same old game of belligerence. As a sequel to this condition, the Korean peninsula now is on the brink of a war and efforts are continuing to reverse the recent developments as far as possible.
Needless to say, world's powerful nations are involved in the Korean crisis in varying degrees as this makes the tangle largely intractable. The United States and the other Western countries are obviously the backers of the democratic South Korea which has made laudable progress in economic fields. On the other hand, the communist North Korea remains mired in a myriad of economic problems, but has transformed itself into a strong military nation that sends shivers down the spines of many regional countries. The United States has stationed a substantial number of troops in the south for protecting its ally against any possible attack from the north, the hard-line reclusive Stalinist communist regime. No wonder, the north finds enormous support and goodwill in communist China and former socialist giant Soviet Union. Now that the latter has disintegrated, Beijing is the only major ally of the north.
As the tension is now running high stemming from bombardment of the disputed island in South Korea by North Korea, Western nations lost no time in condemning the north. Even the Russian Federation came out with strong criticisms. But China has called for revival of the six-nation dialogue on North Korea, which is believed to have clandestinely developed its nuclear power. The possession of atomic power has emboldened the north and it can flex muscles even against the big powers like the United States, which had vowed to protect South Korea at any cost.
The United States has moved quickly in preparation of the likely conflict and several war ships, including the nuclear-powered "George Washington", are now in the vicinity of the conflict zone while Washington and Seoul are engaged in a joint military exercise. China has criticised this military drill while North Korea says it would face any eventuality and has already deployed missiles. Other powerful countries are also evolving their mechanisms in view of the disconcerting developments.
The situation in the Korean peninsula is really dangerous, threatening world peace and tranquillity and if any conflagration does incidentally and unfortunately break out, that is unlikely to remain confined within a small parameter. The consequences are simply unimaginable and as such all concerned would expect the involved parties would show restraint and refrain themselves from taking any step that may further compound an already volatile situation.
zaglulbss@yahoo.com