“There’s concern that Kim Jong-Un may now try to prove himself,” said a senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic. “He’s young, inexperienced, brash and untested. And while he had the support of his father, it’s unclear if he has the respect of his generals.”…
Senior White House officials say the concern about the North Korean military making a provocative action is less about the next few weeks – a state funeral is scheduled for December 28 – but the next few months, when Kim Jung-Un has to solidify his power base. Officials say more immediate concerns about Kim Jong-Un’s action revolve around his country’s missile and artillery programs, not the nuclear program.
Last night at around 10:30 pm ET, White House chief of staff Bill Daley informed President Obama that North Korea’s State TV had announced the death of Kim Jong-Il. At midnight, President Obama spoke with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. A White House statement read that: “The President reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops and agreed they would direct their national security teams to continue close coordination.”
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