Wrestling With North Korea, Trump Finds Perilous Options<br />If the United States was prepared to go beyond a limited strike, it could conduct a surprise attack on North Korea’s missile garrison<br />and weapon storage areas, using American aircraft stationed in Guam, in Japan and on aircraft carriers as well as strategic bombers that would be refueled in flight.<br />Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson sought to head off North Korea’s missile program this week by suggesting<br />that the United States could open talks with Pyongyang if North Korea would halt its missile tests.<br />Mr. Graham asserted that diplomatic efforts would fail unless the United States made clear<br />that North Korea’s deployment of an intercontinental missile would cross a “red line” and that military options were available if the talks faltered<br />President Trump has made clear that his goal is to deny North Korea the capability<br />to field a long-range nuclear-tipped missile that could strike the United States.<br />The United States could try a similar approach: attacking North Korea’s missiles while warning Mr. Kim<br />that his government would be the next target if he dared to strike back.<br />Unless China believes the United States is serious about using military options to head off North Korea’s emerging<br />missile threat, it may be difficult to gain the cooperation from Beijing needed to fashion a political solution.
