American influence continues to weakens in matters of global influence on rogue states that pose a threat to national interests. Dynamic solutions in American foreign policy in dealing with Iran and North Korea are as paramount as an ostrich sticking his head in a hole. The impact of sanctions seem to dent somewhat these regimes on the surface, but the reality is these regimes are surviving enough to support a weapons program to threaten the interests of America. The activities of covert programs of our nation along with partner allies are unknown in the analysis of this report, but two news stories are making headlines as American influence flounders in the geo-political stage of the 21st Century. North Korea completes launch pad to send a rocket into orbit, and Iran’s Sovereign Wealth Fund is projected to surpass $55 billion. American influence seems to be precarious as the economic weakness and domestic debt to foreign nations as damper of the ability to counterbalance. In addition, the rise of China and Russia has given these nations a cushion to pursue avenues unavailable even a decade ago. What will America do to deter these growing threats of the new century?
As America forces sanctions, Iran is still able to brag to the world about the performance of the country’s sovereign wealth fund. American and European sanctions are causing some issues for the fund, but the threat by Iran to shut the Strait of Hormuz has made the cost of oil surge. The higher cost is still supporting the health and wealth of the fund. Sanctions may have impact, but higher prices counterbalance the impact to the Iranian regime.
In a second turn of events, North Korea is inviting the country’s news agency’s and foreign journalists to the country’s space center to show the rocket is not a ballistic missile for use in aggression, but the benign benefit of science is the North Korea’s claims. The rocket is to be launched into earth’s orbit, but South Korea and its allies are very skeptical that this is a preliminary test for a weapons delivery system. One factor is certain that the North Koreans continue forward to expand its technology even under the pressure of the United States.
As both countries continue to operate in defiance, one truth does abound that the effectiveness of America is on the decline in the new geo-political landscape. What does this mean for the security at home and abroad in the future? Again, time will be the determining factor.
Related articles
- NKorea rocket launch draws more worry than Iran’s (hosted.ap.org)
- North Korea planning third nuclear test: Yonhap (thehimalayantimes.com)
- China appeals to North Korea to stop rocket launch (telegraph.co.uk)
- NKorea Rocket Launch Draws More Worry Than Iran’s: NKorea, Iran hone missile skills with satellite launches, but… (abcnews.go.com)
- Rocket in position on launch pad in N. Korea (washingtontimes.com)
- Rocket in position at launch pad in North Korea (hosted.ap.org)
- North Korea Promises ‘Merciless Punishment’ If Anyone Messes With Its Rocket Launch This Week (businessinsider.com)
- Obama warns N. Korea, Iran their options are few (goerie.com)
- Rocket in position at launch pad in North Korea (newsok.com)
- Firsthand look: North Korea rocket in place for lift-off (ctv.ca)
Filed under: Article Content Future Publication, Uncategorized Tagged: China, diplomacy, foreign policy, Iran, Korea, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, Strait of Hormuz, united states