There is no shortage of instantaneous reactions when
North Korea conducts a ballistic
missile test. That missile launches are relatively common within the North Korea context—Pyongyang has tested dozens of missiles over the last several years, including the intercontinental Hwasong-15—-doesn’t overshadow the adrenaline rush that ensues the moment another one is announced. Last week’s test of a short-range
ballistic missile, supposedly molded on Russia’s SS-26 Iskander, was no exception. While military experts were trying to get as much technical information about the missile as possible, North Korea analysts were debating about the message
Kim Jong-un was hoping to send to
Washington and Seoul. Could it be a warning to
President Trump that the North Koreans are losing the last of their patience with diplomacy? Was it a ploy to add more leverage before working-level
denuclearization talks resume?