New Details Emerge Regarding Australia's Current State

Northern Australia was bombed by North Korea late last night

Claire Herly of the Australian War Ministry states that the death toll is now approximately 55 (earlier reports of 55,000 were caused by technical difficulties on her end). It would have been greater if not for the north's population being sparse.

The UN Security Council is meeting to form a response coalition. Most major Western superpowers have indicated major support, but it is unclear which specifically.

To aid those who survived the attack, all of the major aid NGOs are now on the ground, including the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.

It has been determined that the weapon was not a nuclear bomb.

There have been no official instances of additional foreign aid, but Hely believes that USAID workers are on the ground as part of their discretionary budget.

Hely does not believe that Australia was the intended target of the missile.

The Death of Kim Jong-il, and What May be to Come

Kim Jong-il, Supreme Leader of North Korea

After years of ill health and speculation, a black hearse pulled up to the North Korean palace to drive Kim Jong-il away for the last time. For as long as Kim Jong-il has been in power he has had two stories to his life.

In one story, a work of fiction, Kim Jong-il was the “supreme leader”, beloved by his people and in return providing them with everything they could ever need. He was deified and was said to have the power to control the weather based on his mood. His birthday was the most important holiday in North Korea and mass celebrations occurred all across the nation.

But this fiction has always been completely transparent. Under Kim Jong-il’s rule, Korean’s have starved to death by the millions and the country has stayed mired in extreme poverty while their southern brethren jumped into the first world.

Kim Jong-il was born in 1941. After graduating college he went directly in politics, rising quickly through the ranks of the ruling Korean Workers’ Party.  Eventually becoming the supreme leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il became the de facto leader of North Korea, granting control of the fourth largest standing army in the world. 

Over time, North Koreans developed a large personality cult around Kim Jong-il, with his likeness posted in many North Korean homes.  While Kim Jong-il enjoyed his celebrity status, much of North Korea suffered from the martial law enacted during their dictator’s reign. As his wet nurse, Sun-joo Park said, “Kim Jong-il was always very aggressive, mean to everyone… I was not surprised he let the people of North Korea starve.”

His death left North Korea in a state of advanced instability, leading to the attack on Northern Australia by North Korean forces, killing as many as 55,000 according the Australian war ministry.  Kim Jong-un, the oldest son of the deceased dictator, is assumed to take control of North Korea, but political complications may leave the Korean Peninsula under extremely adverse conditions.  According to North Korean’s foreign affairs minister, the launch codes were stolen by a dissatisfied general who feared being ousted by Kim Jong-un. 

Hopefully, Kim Jong-un will take control of his country so future disasters are avoided.

- Ron Bergundy and Wolf Plitzer

Dubai Real Estate Battle Continues

The Dubai real estate crisis continues to worsen. Many nations, especially powerful European countries, have pulled out of the area. While the German press and Rodge Gupta were not available for comment, it is clear that Europe was merely protecting its own assets in its actions. While much attention is being given to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the source of the problem is the real estate issue as it continues to extend its impacts globally.

Op - Ed: The New Nuclear North Korean War

When the Korean War broke out, the United States sent troops halfway across the globe to protect the freedom of the South Koreans. In this they were successful but when we tried to the cross the border into North Korea, China entered the war; because of this, we were fought back to our original position, leaving the peninsula divided.

Again, we are faced with a violent and resurgent North Korea, but this time, the situation is different. China has changed its long held stance of "unconditional support" for North Korea and condemns its act of violence. With this changed dynamic, a military response by the West is once possible. The United States still maintains bases in South Korea and a navy nearby on retaliation on Australia's behalf would be immediate and at will.

Still, renewed war remains a slim possibility. The single largest predicting factor is North Korea's nuclear arsenal. The main goal of the United States and the rest of the world should be to keep their heads screwed on and the bombs grounded.

Further International Response to Bombings

Japan, a concerned nation

Japanese ambassador to Australia, Tochi Kumakawa, says Japan stands against the actions of the North Korean regime, and offers support to Australians. They do not want to "isolate the Koreans more than necessary."

Press Secretary for the United Kingdom, O'Connell, states that his country "is deeply moved by this unnecessary loss of life, especially because we are so intertwined with the Australians."

Australia Hopes for North Korean Sanctions

Australia hope that sanctions will be placed on North Korea, as a result of the potential meeting of the Security Council.


Since the Australian government is unsure about the nature of the attacks, as well as the type of weapons used, it will not yet plan to retaliate, says Assistant to the Defense Minister, Harvey Hemley.


The Nation's main concern is gathering international support, for whatever the actions Australia will take.

Ballistic Strike in Northern Australia

Previous attacks on Yeonpyeong bear striking similarities to the current strike on Australia

25 ballistic missiles were launched at long range to the Northern coast of Australia by North Korea.  Not only is this the first act of war committed by North Korea outside the Korean peninsula, but it is also an act of aggression against a Western Nation and former colony.  There is no indication of the attack was nuclear, but information is limited at this time and speculation runs rampant. 

Australia is taking all precautions possible, including the assumption that North Korea may have used nuclear force and the preparation for potential future attacks.  Harvey Henley, assistant to the Australian defense minister, claims the attack was made for political ideals, yet North Korea’s official statement is still awaited.  He says, “We see no reason why missiles targeted Northern Australia.”

The US ambassador to Australia, Richard Masterson, says, “The U.S. plans to send as many aid workers as possible to Australia, and we post for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the political instability in North Korea.”  The U.S. plans to announce their official course of action shortly.

This attack was at the longest range available to North Korean artillery.  It comes on the heels of attacks on South Korea, which also has strong allies with the western world.  This attack bears many similarities to the recent bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island in South Korean territory.  This prior attack led to the deaths of many innocent South Koreans, yet there was no response made by South Korean government.

When contacted, the Chinese Minister of Foreign affairs, Liu Xiaobao, responded “China is reconsidering their unconditional support of North Korea.”  According to Xiaobao, China had no indication of an attack planned.  When asked about whether China would support North Korea in the event of western military force, Xiaobao responds, “No we cannot.  We deplore the attack and had no part in it.”

Whether this remains merely a flexing of power from the politically turbulent North Korea, or signs of an impending military campaign orchestrated by North Korea remains to be seen.  However, an Australian retaliation is a distinct possibility. 

Executing a ballistic strike without official declaration of war violates U.N. rulings, and how the international community will deal with this offense remains to be seen.  No matter what the response, this tragedy strikes at the heart of all people everywhere.

BREAKING: NORTH KOREA BOMBS NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

North Korea has launched several missles onto northern Australia.

Hundreds are dead or wounded.

No governments have offered an official statement as of yet.

Exclusive Interview with Sun-joo Park, Kim Jong-il's Wet Nurse

 The following is an interview between CNN Asian correspondent and Sun-joo Park, the wet nurse to Kim Jong-il.  This interview was performed online via gmail chat services.  

Sun-joo Park:  Hello!

Wolf Plitzer:    Hello, CNN reporter Wolf Plitzer

Sun-joo Park, wet nurse of Kim Jong-il for 19 years

Sun-joo Park, wet nurse of Kim Jong-il for 19 years

Sun-joo Park:  Sun-joo Park here

Wolf Plitzer:    Nice to meet you Sun-joo Park, I'd like to ask you a few questions about Kim Jong-il

Sun-joo Park:  Please do, but I may not respond quick, because english not good good.

Wolf Plitzer:    Firstly, I'd like to offer my condolences on the death of Kim Jong-il, I've been made aware    you were very close to him

Sun-joo Park:  hah!  I was...when he was small.

Wolf Plitzer:    Yes, I understand you were his wet nurse, correct?

Sun-joo Park:  yes, correct, until he was 19

Wolf Plitzer:    What were your impressions of him as a child?  Did he have any interesting personality quirks, any passions?

Sun-joo Park:  He was very aggressive, definitely made a mark on me, many marks

Wolf Plitzer:    Really?  Please elaborate.

Sun-joo Park:  [Kim Jong-il] never had friends his own age, the other boys in court, he cling to me, for hours, until his mother realize that I get in way of professional development, then she banish me, to South Korea.  I loved Kim, [he was] mean to everyone but me.

Kim Jong-il at the height of his political career

Wolf Plitzer:    Hmm, so his mother was very concerned on his political career.  You say you loved Kim Jong-il, do you feel this love was reciprocated?  Do you think he felt the same way about you?

Sun-joo Park:  He couldn't give me what I could give him, so when he came of age, this 19, he took the side of his mother, and this gave me pain.

Wolf Plitzer:    Hmm, I see.  This must have been very difficult for you.  How do you feel about how he ran DPRK?

Sun-joo Park:  Once I left, Kim became starved, so it never surprised me that he could starve the North Koreans.  It was like a mirror to his thirsty soul.

Wolf Plitzer:    You say he was starved, but how?  Emotionally, artistically..?

Sun-joo Park:  Emotionally, and with great vitamin d deficit.

Wolf Plitzer:    Ah.  So the lack of a motherly figure in his life led to a lack of compassion for others.  Did you ever try to contact him later in life?

Sun-joo Park:  Sorry about delay

Wolf Plitzer:    No problem.   It must be very difficult to establish a good connection half way around the world.

Sun-joo Park:  very difficult to establish between Koreas, as you seen!  So yes, big wide world too I tried to contact him once, yes

Wolf Plitzer:    Please tell

Sun-joo Park:  when his mother die, I make crossover attempt

I wrap myself in quilt, carrying nothing but a change of underwear and Kim's favorite pacifier I take from him once.  Don't tell him that!

Oh, right...

...too late

Wolf Plitzer:    ... I'm sorry; this whole affair must be very hard on you.  Do you wish to continue?

Sun-joo Park:  No, I do not, the pain pummels me, like Kim's mother used to, when dark and nobody watching

Wolf Plitzer:    You've clearly experienced many hardships.

Sun-joo Park:  none as hard as the death of Kim or as I called him, Kimchee

Wolf Plitzer:    It's clear you cared about him very much.  If you were to sum up Kim Jong-il's life, what would you say about him?

Sun-joo Park:  If he nibbled away at Korean people's lives, he was only nibbling away at me.

Thank you

Wolf Plitzer:    Thank you for your time.  Do I have your permission to use this interview in an article?

The Beatles, Rock Band from 1960's and favorite of Sun-joo Park

Sun-joo Park:  Yes, I want my story told, for the world to feed on.  I always wanted to see Kimchee again, since 1960.  In fact, if not for the Beatles, I would’ve ended it all then. 

Wolf Plitzer:    Once again, this has been Wolf Plitzer with CNN news, signing off.

Chinese Minister of Maritime Affairs offers comment on exportation

China's Minister of Maritime Affairs, Qiu Yunming, has said that China needs to prevent metals exports to promote production of technologies.
Following Beijing's decision to halt exportation of rare earth metals, Qiu stated that even countries who own mines in China will no longer be allowed to continue mineral extraction.
Additionally, Qiu referred to the decision as a way to keep their resources from the "greedy Japanese."

China curtails rare earth metal exports - CEO comments

Ling Wen, Shinwell Corporation's CEO, stated in a recent interview with BBC news, that China's halt of rare earth metals "should have been anticipated."
Shinwell Corporation, a private company in the business of rare earth metals, says he appreciated Beijing's decision to halt exportations. He believes that the exportation needed to be stopped because reserves of the metals were no longer large enough to give away. He said that China needs to keep the metals and the profits from them in their own economy.

When asked if these actions were against the WTO's laws, Ling Wen said that the laws cannot apply within China, appealing to principles of national sovereignty. He said if counties wished to trade with China they would need to increase "accountability."
As well, the interviewer asked about the halt's implications for Japan, which has already stated that these changes could severely harm Japan's economy. In response, Ling Wen said that it is time Japan started a "new business plan."

WikiLeaks Reveals Memo Between Chinese Officials Regarding Sudan

WikiLeaks has recently released a memo from the Chinese government exposing the role of the Chinese in encouraging a Northern invasion.

The memo is between Foreign Minister Lu Xiaobo and Presidential Secretary Da Hua. Xiaobo states that "we have made clear to the Ambassador of Sudan that a loss of the preferential contracts we have built up over the years would significantly undermine the capacity of the Chinese government to maintain pleasant relations with the regime of Al-Bashir."

In addition, he insists that "it is imperative that the oil fields in the south of Sudan remain under the control of the state we have engaged with so positively."

The release of this memo from WikiLeaks casts a shadow of doubt over it. However, oil has long been a high powerful bargaining tool in world affairs.

The Chinese government still has yet to make an official comment.

Jellyfish Sting Japanese and Chinese Relations

Jellyfish, often considered a delicacy in Asia, have initiated further disputes between Japan and China. After the September seizure of a Chinese fishing captain by Japanese, tensions have incited riots in China. Now, the Fujian Province has reported that Chinese fisherman are outraged at the decrease in jellyfish available for harvest in the Sea of Japan.

Japanese fisherman, however, have not had a decline in jellyfish harvesting. The relations between the two countries continue to become grow more turbulent.

China Comments and Confirms Kim Jong-Il's Death

          After rumors of Kim Jong-Il’s death, eye witnesses spotted a black hearse outside of the leader’s palace. In the event of his father’s death, Kim Jung-Un would likely take power but the transition is anything but certain in North Korea. The country suffers from famine and poverty and power is maintained by military force. There are several other possible successors including Kim’s other older children.

China, North Korea’s main ally, has pledged to maintain “harmonious relations” with the struggling country. The border between the two nations is heavily guarded and in the event of North Korea’s collapse, China fears a wave of poor uneducated people flooding into their country.

      China's Assistant Minister, Chen Yumin, commented on the event: "We have confirmation through our communication with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea that Kim Jong-Il has indeed died. Whoever the successor is, we will extend our support and protection, should that be necessary, to the DPRK as they undergo this transition between leaders. This happened before without incident in 1994, and we have no reason to believe that this transition will be any different." 

       Once again, bloggers have alerted the world to breaking news.

Is Kim Ill?

Earlier today, anonymous Korean bloggers claimed North Korean President Kim Jong-Il’s death.  The bloggers are unnamed, reporting in the Korean language. Kim Jong-Un, the heir apparent of Kim Jong-Il’s regime, will assume his father’s position in the event of his death.  

 Jong-Un currently holds a senior position in the ruling Worker’s Party.  He has recently accompanied his father to many of his political events, creating speculation as to the state of Jong-Il’s current health.  From the outside Jong-Il appears to have a healthy lifestyle- he is a frequent on the basketball court and golf course. 

These unknown bloggers could simply be creating a rumor - in the past, there have been many claims of the North Korean leader’s death.  Yet if the bloggers’ cryptic report is indeed true, what will be the fate of North Korea? Will Jong-Un’s policy differ or mirror his father’s?