[JohnBraden]

This seems to be another attempt by the North not to appear weak during the so-called "transition" period between Kim Jong-Il and his son. It's another attempt to show they are ready for anything the South and its allies may throw at them. I seriously doubt if the South would have used this period as a means to usurp power and reunite the country.

I hope this resolves itself peacefully. Seoul is a stone's throw from the DMZ and I'm sure there are plenty of very concerned and scared people there and all over the country.

I am baffled as to the reasoning behind this act. Is the North so desperate for attention they have to resort to violence to be noticed? I would seriously doubt if her neighbors condone this course of action. I'm sure the UN Security Council will meet over this today and we'll see what happens.

Here's to hoping it resolves itself peacefully....