The New York Times: North Korea Fires a Ballistic Missile

North Korea launched another intercontinental ballistic missile on November 28. Launched at a high trajectory, the missile landed near Japan. At a lower trajectory, the missile could have traveled more than 12,000 kilometers, capable of reaching any city in the world. The United States recently returned the country to a list of state sponsors of terrorism. The missile included advances in height and flight duration as well as increased speed in fueling the launch to reduce advance notice. North Korea’s leader claimed the missile can carry heavy nuclear weapons, but analysts suggest the test had a light load. President Donald Trump, "officials said, will stick to his policy of rallying nations to apply economic pressure on North Korea, backed up by the threat of military action,” reports the New York Times. “In a statement, Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson condemned the launch. But he added, ‘Diplomatic options remain viable and open, for now.’” The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting, to consider adding on to nine rounds of sanctions since 2006. China and Russia count on the United States remaining North Korea’s lead target. China and Russia resist economic pressure for North Korea, adding pressure for the United States. And the North Korea threat continues as the United States pursues a tax-cut proposal that could constrain the country’s ability to support allies or invest in defense. – YaleGlobal