The Australian argues that the US and its allies must give consideration to both the possibility of major political upheaval in Pyongyang and the possession by a deranged regime of nuclear weapons in the wake of the assassination of Kim Jong-nam.
The Australian expresses concern that the assassination of Kim Jong-nam adds a dangerous dimension to deepening concerns about a seriously deranged regime in Pyongyang that has nuclear weapons.
Kim Jong-nam criticized the oppressive North Korean system by contrasting its impoverishment with Chinas success. North Korea should pay attention to reform and openness. If it continues like this, it cannot become an economic power, he told a Japanese newspaper in 2011.
He denounced the hereditary succession, insisting it does not fit with socialism and my father was against it.
It is considered that China had seen Kim Jong-nam as a potential replacement for Kim Jong-un.
The Australians contributing national security editor Alan Dupont suggests there are widening cracks in North Korea and disaffection becoming more evident.
The Australian points out that the US and its allies must give consideration to both the possibility of major political upheaval in Pyongyang and the possession by a madcap regime of nuclear weapons.
