CIA HAS SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT NORTH KOREAN BALLISTIC MISSILE "FAILURE"

Experts at the CIA and DOD have been concerned about N. Korea's military spending for years, especially in relation to its missile program. It is estimated they spend 40% of their gross domestic product (GNP) on the military. Back in 2004, U.S. Forces Korea commander, General Leon LaPorte stated that N. Korea's military investments are primarily in their nuclear, biological, chemical and missile programs. Intelligence analysts suspect they want to gain an "asymmetrical" advantage over the U.S. and South Korean forces.

This massive warfare spending is to weaponize their weapons-grade materials...on missiles. Intelligence analysts also know that N. Korea has and will continue to have extensive dealings with Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Yemen, and Libya on ballistic missiles and possibly even nuclear warheads.

The REAL bad news is, according to CIA analysts, is that Chinese warhead designs, which were sold to Libya by Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. A.Q. Khan, are suspected to be in the hands of North Korea as we speak. The CIA is concerned that North Korea, despite the recent launch failure, already have PROVEN missile designs from these other countries.

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Pyongyang sought advanced rocket and missile systems in the early 1960's and, yes, China and the Soviet Union gladly helped them acquire the know-how.  Now, North Korea possesses a ballistic missile inventory totaling over 800 road-mobile missiles, including 200 Nodong missiles that could blast Japan. In April 2007, she displayed two new missiles- a short-range tactical missile that threatens Seoul and American ground forces in South Korea and an intermediate-range missile that could strike the U.S. B-52 base on Guam.

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It's only a matter of time and continued help from Russia and China before these missiles are capable of delivering nuclear warheads. Now, CIA analysts believe they can deliver chemical and biological munitions.

We all must not forget two factors that enter the North Korean threat equation. First, North Korea has always maintained that the U.S. is a hostile nation and maintains a "hostile policy" toward them. Second, Pyongyang never abandoned its objective to complete the revolution in the south. Learn more about the North Korean threat by viewing the North Korean Ballistic Missile Program (above left).

Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. is a member of the Association Of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and writes about the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). A portion (10%) of this site's ad revenues is donated to the AFIO. The views expressed on this site do not represent those of any organization he is a member of. We're always looking for different perspectives regarding the Intelligence Community- got a thought, article or comment you'd like to submit? Contact us on the Secure Contact Form