My daughter has been asking questions about North Korea lately, so we have been watching some recent specials produced about the Hermit Kingdom. Various groups from South Korea and Japan have done a good job of obtaining inside information, using cash and products to obtain flash drives smuggled out.

Kim Jong-il could be on his last legs. Since China shut down most food supplies, North Korea's massive army has been without food. This has caused a lot of internal dissent. The show of "nuclear force" is a last ditch attempt to "bargain" with the U.S. Intelligence smuggled out says the "weapons" are merely rockets with no payload. Kim believes he can reach a deal with the U.S. to "disarm" in return for a pledge not to attack.

Kim is extremely paranoid. His only control over his people is through fear. There are almost daily public executions for everything from watching outside shows to dropping a newspaper with Kim's picture on it.

The programs are fascinating if you can find them on the internet or cable TV. They will lessen your fear of North Korea.