Why US Is Still (Sorta) at War With North Korea

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted May 27, 2009 4:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – The US says North Korea’s recent nuclear test is an obstacle to a “peace treaty formally ending the Korean War,” which gives pause to Juliet Lapidos, writing for Slate. “Wait, we’re still at war with North Korea?” The armistice that ended hostilities in 1953 was supposed to lead to talks on a unified government, but those broke down in 1954. So, we’re still at war.

But not really. “Technically, we weren't at war to begin with,” Lapidos writes. “The 1950-53 conflict was conducted under the aegis of the United Nations and was dubbed a ‘police action’ by President Harry Truman. Congress never actually declared war, nor did it authorize a military engagement.” For 50 years we’ve had “a cessation of hostilities between militaries, as opposed to a cessation of the disagreement between governments.”

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

South Korean soldiers look at the North Korean side through binoculars at Dora Observation Post in the demilitarized zone. (AP Photo)

A North Korean soldier. (AP Photo)

North Korean soldiers observe the South Korean side at the village of Panmunjom, which borders the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas. (AP Photo)

South Koreans watch a television broadcasting undated image a North Korea missile launch. (AP Photo)

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A formal accord is so elusive in large part because it's a step toward diplomatic recognition of the north—something that almost certainly won't come about before the United States and North Korea reach an agreement.
- Juliet Lapidos

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

kokuaguy

May 29, 2009 7:24 AM CDT

Right Shonan Greg -- I'd have been on safer ground if I'd said "No nation with nukes has ever been attacked ... by the U.S.

kokuaguy

May 29, 2009 7:21 AM CDT

Great plan, Observer. Sounds almost as good as the one that was supposed to fall into place right after the U. S. "shock & awed" Saddam into oblivion, then marched into Baghdad to be greeted with adoring Iraqis offering flowers & bon bons, with democracy to be adopted by all Middle Eastern despots and dictatorships as a direct result. By all means-- surgical strikes and bunkerr busting bombs. Maybe even a few tactical nukes... what could possibly go wrong?

PosterNutbag

May 28, 2009 12:49 PM CDT

we are at war so often, it is hard to keep track.

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Slate (Source Grid »)

World • US

North Korea • United States • Korean War • Harry Truman • police action • armistice • hostilities

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