North Korea Splodes Nuke

(Pyongyang, North Korea) There's nothing good about this news.

From Xinhuanet.com:

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said on Monday that it has conducted a nuclear test, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

So, now what does the rational part of the world do?

STACLU also has the story and reports that a 3.58 Richter seismic tremor was detected by South Korean intelligence a few hours ago (Monday morning Korean Time).


[Update 10/08/06, 2350 EDT]

As a result of the announced test, the South Korean government has called an emergency meeting of foreign and defense ministers.


[Update 10/09/06, 0015 EDT]

Robert Koehler in S. Korea indicates that the seismic tremor occurred about 10:36 am Korean Time.


[Update 10/09/06, 0045 EDT]

From Mainichi Daily News:

North Korea said Monday it has performed its first-ever nuclear weapons test. The country's official Korean Central News Agency said the test was performed successfully and that there had been no radioactive leakage from the site.

"The nuclear test is a historic event that brought happiness to the our military and people," KCNA said. "The nuclear test will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and surrounding region."

A value system must be somewhat askew for happiness to be defined by a nuclear bomb. Most folks would be happy with a puppy. Oh, darn! I forgot. There are no puppies in North Korea.