For decades, North Korea has been one of the world’s most secretive societies.  It is currently one of five nations that are still communist. The rogue nation has made constant threats towards the United States and its allies with nuclear weapons. Ever since the Korean War, tensions between North Korea and the United States, along with South Korea, have been rising, mostly because of North Korea’s actions. Since President Trump was elected into office, the enemy nation has continued to warn the United States with nuclear weapons, causing verbal battles between Trump and Kim Jong Un.  It appears that UN sanctions against North Korea have not been working because the nation constantly continues its testing of its own nuclear arsenal in a show of force to the world. Sophomore Charlie Ben-Ami stated, “North Korea’s nuclear weapons should be given up because they are a direct threat to the United States.” Gil Ben-Ami agreed, added, “North Korea should have consequences for its actions.” Conversely, sophomore Jordan Rothman does not believe that North Korea should be punished for having nuclear weapons because “there are countries around the world that have nuclear weapons.”

In the past few years, North Korea has launched many missile tests. This included the recent firing of the missile that flew over Japan on September 15, causing a spike of tension in the Korean Peninsula.  President Trump, seemingly unflustered, says if North Korea continues to act the way it has been acting, they will be met with “fire and fury.” Charlie Ben-Ami adds, “If North Korea does more to intensify its nuclear weapons, then Trump should use force.” Gil Ben-Ami stated, “Trump shouldn’t use force, but if North Korea uses force towards the US or its allies, then President Trump doesn’t have a choice.” Rothman, however, stated, “Violence is never the answer; therefore, Trump shouldn’t use force under any circumstances.” Gil Ben-Ami stated, “Trump shouldn’t use force but if North Korea uses force towards the US or its allies then President Trump doesn’t have a choice.” Trump has stated many times that if the United States or its allies, especially the ones in the area such as Japan or South Korea, are threatened, the US would act accordingly.  North Korea has threatened its neighbor to the south dating back to the Korean War. North Korea also threatened to fire nuclear warheads at the island of Guam, which is a U.S. territory, due to the ongoing conflict.

The US and North Korea will continue to trade insults and threats for the foreseeable future, as a resolution to the problems does not appear likely. On September 17, Trump and Jong-Un continued the threats as the president called the North Korean leader “Rocket Boy,” and threatened to wipe out all of North Korea. Jong-Un replied by calling Trump “mentally deranged.” With all of the conflict going on between the USA and North Korea, war could be looming.