A fizzling rocket won't rock the North Korean regime | Virginie Grzelczyk
Elite circles are unlikely to blame Kim Jong Un for the satellite launch failure – the Kim family's power seems well entrenchedAfter weeks of preparations and intense publicity, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea finally launched its Unha-3 carrier on Friday morning. The success was short-lived, however, with the rocket quickly disintegrating and eventually plummeting into the Yellow Sea about 100 miles from Korean shores. While no one can deny that North Korea failed to place its Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 satellite into orbit, it is harder to assess what political ramifications the test will have for the North Korean regime.For one, the regime has suffered an embarrassing blow, which was magnified by the presence of many foreign press reporters Pyongyang had invited to North Korea to "celebrate" and witness the event. North Korea therefore did not attempt to cover up the failed launch, and was rather forthcoming in soberly announcing on the...
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