Possible Respones to Launch

It has been confirmed that the North Korean launch has occured. Some outcomes of this action:

1. No further negative actions against North Korea. They are already very much sealed off from the rest of the world, and it is not clear whether more U.N. sanctions will take place. It is most likely that Russia and China will not do anything either.

2. Increased sanctions against North Korea. A heavy, unified response to this launch by the global powers will hurt the North Koreans even more. But don't forget the already heavy sanctions against North Korea. This is a very poor country. It is hard to imagine this type of action having any effect on the Kim Jong-il administration.

3. Military actions. This is most unlikely. The Japanese have not intercepted the rocket and the South Koreans are not eager to bring about any action against the North.

The most important thing to take away from this launch is whether or not the North Koreans are able to sell their technology to more dangerous parties. That may bring about a domino effect in which nuclear and rocket capabilities fall into the hands of terrorist groups. Also, a lack of an international response to this launch may embolden the North Korean's and lead to more outrageous actions.

All in all, this seems like a very positive series of events for the North Koreans.