North Korea, Missile Technology and the Bomb

Since the end of the Korean War in the early 1950's, North Korea has represented one of the most isolated societies in the world.  Cult leadership, communist economic planning and a dread of invasion from the south have turned North Korea into an economic catastrophe.  Partly in an attempt to earn foreign currency and partly as an attempt to win an internal sense of confidence, North Korea embarked on a vast missile development program and was soon to become perhaps the world's most extensive exporter of ballistic missiles and missile technology.  

North Korea's threats encompass a wide range of systems, from the new Taepodong-2 ICBM to the short range rockets that threaten South Korea.  The most heavily fortified border in the world is thought to be the no-man's land between North and South Korea, filled with rocket and artillery emplacements.

In recent years, North Korea became intent on obtaining a nuclear capability, while continuing efforts to develop and test intercontinental ballistic missiles.   Their recent successful test in April 2009 of a three stage Taepodong-2 ICBM strengthens the possibility that North Korea could make use of EMP attack against the West Coast of the United States, Europe and other nations around the world.