Independent Blog Post 12/16

I am, unfortunately writing this post slightly later than usual. You see, it's 8:10 PM currently, while usually I write my posts at 10:00 AM, so excuse me if I begin to ramble. On another note, tomorrow's my birthday!

Now on to the post!

Recently the North Koreans launched a rocket into the air and actually got it to launch a satellite. This is the first time that the launch has not ended up in the rocket exploding somewhere dangerously near Japan. The United States, and most of the world in fact have condemned North Korea for pursuing a space program, which they allege is a front for developing Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles(ICBM's) for use against the United States and other powers.

The North Koreans had initially announced that they may have to delay the launch of this latest rocket due to 'technical difficulties', the launch did however go ahead as planned. This is also the first time that North Korea has attempted two rocket launches in the same year. Their launch earlier in the year, however, failed.

All in all, these represent somewhat worrying developments in North Korean boldness, and willingness to disregard sanctions and other forms of pressure that have been imposed upon the nation by both the United States, and the wider global community via the United Nations.

Here's an embedded video of CNN coverage of the rocket launch.