BUT WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE TORPEDO CULTURE – AT 10:57 A.M. ET:  From The New York Times: 

SEOUL, South Korea — A torpedo attack was the most likely cause of the sinking of a South Korean warship near a disputed sea border with North Korea last month that killed at least 40 South Korean sailors, the South Korean defense chief said Sunday.

Defense Minister Kim Tae-young was the first South Korean official to publicly blame a torpedo as a likely cause of the March 26 explosion that split the 1,200-ton corvette, the Cheanan, in half. There has been a growing suspicion that the ship may have been hit by a North Korean torpedo or mine, although South Korea has not yet blamed the North and Pyongyang has denied any involvement.

“A bubble jet caused by a heavy torpedo is thought to be the most likely thing to be blamed, but various other possibilities are also under review,” Mr. Kim told reporters on Sunday.

And...

A bubble jet effect occurs when a torpedo or mine detonates near or under a ship. The change of pressure creates a “bubble” underwater whose tremendous force as it expands and collapses can break the ship apart, according to defense ministry officials.

This theory appeared to be supported by Yoon Duk-yong, head of the government team of military and private investigators, who said on Sunday that the ship was likely broken in half “by a non-contact explosion, rather than a contact explosion.”

Tensions are growing between North and South Korea.  And why not?  Nothing the North Koreans do results in any serious punishment, and that includes nuclear weapons tests. 

Washington has shown little interest in the ship sinking.  But it's huge news in South Korea, and puts further pressure on the United States finally to produce something from its "engagement" policies.  That is unlikely.  The Obamans project an image of weakness.  In most of the world that's damaging, in Asia, where "face" is so important, it's devastating.

April 25, 2010