North Korea's Nuclear Test

Well, now we know. It has long seemed like a good bet that North Korea actually developed nuclear weapons. Today we know for sure.

The new question to struggle with is, "Now what?" We have lived for fifty years with the knowledge that countries hostile to the United States have nuclear weapons. Is North Korea just more of the same... or is this something new under the sun?

I wish I had answers. I wish someone, somewhere had answers. For the moment, we have to watch, wait, and educate ourselves on the threat and the options available. Here are some places to start:

How did we get to this point?
Jog your memory with this timeline of North Korea's nuclear efforts from the About Guide to Terrorism Issues

What is the real threat?
The highly-respected Nuclear Threat Initiative has a nuts-and-bolts description of North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

What are they saying in the region?
OhMyNews, the citizen-generated news source from South Korea, has lots of coverage.

What will happen next?
Selig Harrison knows North Korea better than any American journalist. His analysis in Newsweek is a must read.