Torpedo Attack 'Could Be Proved from State of Wreck Alone'

Chosun Ilbo ^ | 4/30/2010 | Chosun Ilbo

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Government officials say the wrecked hull of the Navy corvette Cheonan could in itself provide powerful evidence what kind of external explosion sank the ship on March 26, even if no shrapnel from a torpedo or mine is found. "We'd better not jump to any conclusion until the final outcome of the investigation, but the salvaged hull itself can constitute evidence," Foreign Ministry spokesman Kim Young-sun said Thursday.

A senior government official asked, "Is there decisive evidence other than the salvaged hull? It's important to find shrapnel of an explosive device, but that would be nothing but corroborating evidence."

The official added, "Even if we find shrapnel, North Korea will deny that it was from its weaponry. So if we conduct a precision analysis of the hull and determine that it was hit by a torpedo, we'll have secured more than 90 percent of the evidence."

So far the government has been saying that any North Korean involvement in the sinking can only be determined if fragments of an explosive device are found -- a position that would certainly help bolster international confidence in the investigation. But some experts say that has also limited the government's scope in investigating the cause.

[Walkingfeather]

The question is if it is determined ( and I think it already is) what will they do about it. Their “let’s not jump to conclusions stance shows that they are unwilling.

[mylife]

Their “let’s not jump to conclusions stance shows that they are unwilling.

Thats because Obama has been mum. He has given Kim Jong Iil the greenlight and he has told Seoul that he wont back them

[omega4179]

Investigate and to what end?
The Us went to war with no proof that the Maine was blown up by a cuban mine. Modern Korea would have their economy ruined if they went to war with junk Ill’s army.

[Dallas59]

And then what happens? Seems this world is heading for another big conflict. Just like Nazi Germany....we just sit by and let it happen.

[driftdiver]

“Seems this world is heading for another big conflict. Just like Nazi Germany”

Whatever gives you that idea.

I mean Mexico is so stable, Europe is going bankrupt, China’s economy is a ponzi scheme, South American has gone communist, Africa is the same as always, Russia is killing the entire leadership of neighboring countries, peace is breaking out in muslim countries. Oh and Iran, North Korea, Burma, Saudi either have the bomb or soon will.

I mean it seems like the UNs mission of peace is going so well.

[DemforBush]

While determining the “what” is important, the real question (IMHO) is “why?”

If the North Koreans are indeed behind this (and I really can’t think of anyone else who would be, at this point), then I wonder what they’re up to.

My “Worst Case” scenario at this point is that it was a deliberate attack with the intent to test the resolve of the South Korean leadership, and also the U.S.’s. I don’t necessarily think an all-out invasion of the south by the DPRK is coming, but I think it quite possible that they are looking to see if either Seoul or D.C. comes up soft, so as to be able to assume a more aggressive posture.

All in my amateur opinion, of course.

[Jack Hammer]

Okay, Kim, you dastardly devil - no more Dom Perignon for you!

What’s gonna happen? Nothing, that’s what.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Considering how advanced our passive sonar technology is and how far sound travels in the water, I imagine that US PACFLEET probably heard the torpedo as it homed in on the ROK ship.

Of course they can't say this.

[Carley]

Everyone knows that the sailors really committed suicide and then blew up their ship.

[Joe Boucher]

The U.S went to war with Spain because of the yellow journalism of W.Randolph Hearst.
Great way to sell more newspapers.
See, the media has ALWAYS been dirtbags.

[TXnMA]

Is there any doubt?

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

If the North Koreans are indeed behind this (and I really can’t think of anyone else who would be, at this point), then I wonder what they’re up to.

There's still some chance that it was a mine, possibly drifted from its mooring, but if it was a torpedo (and it probably was), what the North Korean leadership gains is another ratcheting of the tensions that have allowed it to maintain control over their population. They've operated under a quasi-state of war for their entire existence, using it to build an "us against them" sense among the people and anything resembling peace is bad for them, especially with Kim apparently sick and a transition of power coming up.

[PeterPrinciple]

using it to build an “us against them” sense among the people and anything resembling peace is bad for them,

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kinda reminds me of a community organizer we know.........