The Impact of Capturing Kim Jong-un: Practical and Strategic Considerations
Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, has been indicted by the United Nations for committing crimes against humanity. However, the likelihood of him being captured by any forces remains low due to his extensive security measures and the substantial defensive capabilities of North Korea.
Security Measures and Nuclear Capabilities
Kim Jong-un is surrounded by ultra-loyal forces, and his security systems are deeply entrenched. Furthermore, North Korea is a nuclear power, which makes any invasion or attempt to overthrow his regime highly unlikely. The international community, particularly the United States and South Korea, have watched as no attempts have been made on Kim's life, highlighting the robustness of his security apparatus.
What Would Happen If He Were Captured?
Assuming the unlikely scenario where Kim Jong-un is captured, there are several potential outcomes to consider. One possible scenario involves a situation similar to the Bin Laden raid, where he is captured and jailed on a U.S. vessel. This scenario plays out as follows:
Retaliation and Escalation
If a Special Forces Raid Were Conducted:
The very fact that special forces are in North Korea could be considered an act of war. Given North Korea's history and its nuclear capabilities, any such action would most likely trigger a full-scale conflict. If Kim Jong-un is captured, the challenge would then be to safely extract him from North Korea. Every military person would be looking for this target, making it extremely difficult for Kim to escape undetected. The complexity of the situation is further compounded by the fact that the decision on how to deal with Kim would need to be made beforehand. There is no guarantee of a consistent response from different governmental bodies, and the fallout from such an action could be significant.Consequences for International Relations
Kim Jong-un's capture and trial might have severe implications for international relations. While the United States, particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump, may view this as an act of justice, it could also serve as a pretext for further escalation. Trump, angered by Kim's provocative statements, could leverage this opportunity for political gain:
Harsh Treatment and Political Maneuvering
Political Maneuvering:
Imagine Kim Jong-un is captured by U.S. special forces and brought to a US Navy ship, the U.S.S. Trump. President Donald Trump, in a moment of vindication, might call Kim 'Fat Kung Pao Chicken Legs,' mirroring Kim's past offensive comments. Kim would likely be imprisoned or even executed for the crimes he is accused of. However, it is unlikely that he would be allowed to directly admit to the capture, as it would be damaging to North Korea's image. Instead, he would likely release statements about being wronged by the United States and would probably indulge in binge eating to further assert his resilience.Conclusion
The capture of Kim Jong-un, while an enticing but improbable scenario, presents a myriad of challenges and risks. The international community, led by the U.S. and South Korea, must carefully weigh the potential consequences before considering any such action. The strategic and practical considerations involved make any such mission a complex and perilous undertaking.