Things are getting hot on the Korean peninsula. North Korean forces launch an artillery barrage against a South Korean island in the Yellow Sea. More here, here, here, and here. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea issues a statement. So, what is going on? This is purely speculation, of course, but I think this is part of a strategy by Kim Jong-Il to solidify his plan for the succession of his son, Kim Jong-Un to the role of top man in the regime. Last week they allowed a U.S. scientist access to a brand new nuclear enrichment facility, now they ratchet up the tensions with South Korea by launching an artillery barrage. Clearly, they are telling us that they will continue to pose a significant problem for us unless and until we get back to the negotiating table. Once there, we will soon be required to cough up some serious cash to keep things quiet. It's extortion, pure and simple, but the Kim Family Regime knows it works, so why change strategies now?

It appears to some that we have no good options concerning North Korea.

New elections will be needed in Ireland as the Green Party walks out of the coalition government. This is all happening, of course, because of the collapse of the Irish economy and the need for EU/IMF bailouts which are contingent upon the implementation of severe austerity plans. Ireland and Greece are the canaries in the coal mine. We will see whether or not bailout packages from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and, in this case, the European Central Bank (ECB) combined with government austerity programs will convince international investors that it makes sense to continue to loan these countries money at some kind of reasonable interest rate. If it works, then the Eurozone will retain some stability. But, will it work? Will Irish voters elect a new government that maintains the austerity plans in place? If not, then what? Lots of questions, not many answers.

Will Portugal be next?

How about the U.S.?

Victor Davis Hanson reminds us that despite the need for fiscal austerity here at home to reduce the annual deficits, we should be wary of cutting defense spending.

John Bolton blasts the foreign policy failures of President Obama.

It appears a Taliban leader that was in peace negotiations with the government of Afghanistan was actually a fake. Why would someone pose as a Taliban leader? He may have been a con man looking to get paid (which he did). The more likely scenario is that he was an agent of the Pakistani ISI.

Jay Cost examines a recently stated argument concerning whether or not the U.S. electorate is becoming more conservative.

Obama's job approval rating hits a new low.

A new poll shows support for the Tea Party movement is growing.

Another close House race ends with the Republican on top. There are now only four seats still undecided, two in New York and two in California.