(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in the United States would agree to take military action to eliminate North Korea’s ability to launch missiles, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 57 per cent of respondents agree with this rationale.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in the United States would agree to take military action to eliminate North Korea’s ability to launch missiles, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 57 per cent of respondents agree with this rationale.
In addition, only 27 per cent of respondents would consent to the U.S. helping North Korea rebuild its economy if it abandons its nuclear weapons development program.
Kim Jong-il has been the de-facto leader of North Korea since the death of his father, Kim Il Song, in 1994. North Korea was branded as part of an "axis of evil" by then U.S. president George W. Bush in January 2002. In February 2005, the government of North Korea admitted publicly for the first time that it possesses nuclear weapons.
In July 2006, North Korea launched seven missiles—including the Taepodong-2—which landed in the Sea of Japan close to Russian coastal areas. In October 2006, the country announced it had successfully carried out a test detonation of a nuclear weapon.
On Apr. 3, U.S. president Barack Obama warned North Korea not to go ahead with a planned launch of a long-range rocket, declaring, "Should North Korea decide to take this action, we will work with all interested partners in the international community to take appropriate steps to let North Korea know that they cannot threaten the safety and stability of other countries with impunity."
On Apr. 5, North Korea launched its long-range rocket, claiming it was used to place a satellite into orbit which is broadcasting "immortal revolutionary songs" and anthems praising Kim. On that same day, Obama declared: "North Korea broke the rules once again by testing a rocket that could be used for long-range missiles. This provocation underscores the need for action."
Polling Data
If North Korea launches a long-range missile, should the United States take military action to eliminate North Korea’s ability to launch missiles?
|
Yes |
57% |
|
No |
15% |
|
Not sure |
28% |
If North Korea abandons its nuclear weapons development program, should the United States help North Korea rebuild its economy?
|
Yes |
27% |
|
No |
51% |
|
Not sure |
21% |
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Apr. 3 and Apr. 4, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
