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[av_heading heading=’ ABOVE THE LAW ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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The hypothetical war
HYPOTHETICAL. If something is hypothetical, it is based on possible ideas or situations rather than actual ones.
War. It is a state of armed conflict between societies. It is generally characterized by extreme aggression, destruction and mortality, using military forces.
Do you think the tension between the United States (US) and North Korea will only result to a hypothetical war? How long will it take? What if North Korea strikes the US and the latter counterattacks? Who will collapse first? What can you say about President Donald Trump’s risky move?
These past few days, news about the US-North Korea conflict are all over the radios and television. And based on what I have heard, there is much Washington must now do. But what?
President Trump should strengthen US military presence in South Korea as well as in Japan. More importantly, he should maintain missile defense to protect US homeland.
He should also reinforce US defense commitments and political support of Australia, India, New Zealand, and Singapore. Of course, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other allies.
These are intelligent moves. However, the US President is too “preoccupied” to think what better paths should take to overcome this conflict.
I think this situation does not only require poise and high pitch voice to show how confident a person is in facing war threats. Sometimes the President should give a little bit of attention to his own behavior. President Trump should take it one step at a time to think carefully about how to carry this war successfully. War is not yet on the line. There is no strong reason for him to launch a pre-emptive attack against North Korea because maybe there is a better and smarter way ahead.
The President may be compelled to have a diplomatic initiative to control North Korea’s nuclear program. This is the moment the President must control his behavior. This is no time to dash toward a war that could quickly spin out of control. This is what we call diplomacy. As what others would say, diplomacy offers no guarantee, but it would be irresponsible not to try.
Whatever is happening right now only requires President Trump’s diplomacy, something which he has not made a priority since becoming President.
To end the tension in a hypothetical war is something we or the US should aim. However, when North Korea is provoked by President Trump’s behavior, then definitely it will be a chaotic approach to US national security.
Remember, Theodore Rososevelt once said: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” I hope President Trump will revisit this old wisdom from a former US President.
President Trump, courage and confidence do not roar sometimes.
(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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