Tensions high on Korean Peninsula

Once more, tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula are running high after a South Korean navy ship almost destroyed a vessel from the North.

While technically both nations are in a state of war, a tense ceasefire has lasted across the demilitarised zone for the past five decades.

No doubt, Pyongyang will look at this event as an act of aggression by the capitalist and imperialist South, a further sign that the neo-Stalinist state under the wise leadership of Kim Jong-il is facing down the massed forces of the entire world in defence of the motherland.

The reality is that the sabre-rattling, knee-jerk diplomacy and nuclear brinkmanship of the North has created a poisoned and tense regional situation.

The incident comes immediately before the visit of US President Barack Obama to the region. Hopefully, his presence, good counsel and leadership can bring at least a thaw in this last throwback of the Cold War. But don't bet on it.