Ok, new fodder for the conspiracy theorist in me.
Pentagon: NKorea could launch nuclear missile
So, we are supposed to believe, that one line out of a whole document was "accidentally" declassified, right as NK has 2 confirmed (and rumored up to 5) midrange missiles prepped on the launch pad? All the while we've been told that they don't have the ability to launch nuclear warheads. My guess is the admin is trying to prep us for when launches a nuke into the pacific. I am finally starting to believe that the administration is ahead of this now, and it will de-escalate after the North launches their missiles (yes I think they will launch 2). It will of course present a whole new nightmare as the North is officially admitted as a nuclear power. Will the South want their own nukes? What about Japan, how will they feel living in the shadow of a NK with the ability to hit them with nuclear missiles? Will China reverse course and try to remove UN Sanctions claiming they are excessive now that NK is a member of the nuclear club.
Further, what leverage does that give to Iran, or anyone else wanting entry into the nuclear club. Does it send the message that if you just keep pursuing them the world will grudgingly accept you once you get them (I would say that that is a given).
Is a US preemptive strike on the NK nuclear facilities even in the realm of possibility to prevent NK from making more weapons?