There goes the neighborhood

John Glionna in the Los Angeles Times has an overview on the angry reactions that Pyongyang's neighbors have regarding its satellite launch that's probably not really a satellite launch:

Japan responded testily to the announcement, asserting that it had a right to challenge any rocket or dangerous foreign object fired across its territory, whether land or sea.

"Under our law, we can intercept any object if it is falling toward Japan, including any attacks on Japan, for our safety," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said at a news conference.

Japan in particular is unhappy about this, in particular since the North Koreans have in the past shot their missiles over Japanese territory. With its "pacifist constitution" and its firm position within the US security umbrella, Japan was restrained a decade ago. But don't expect the same to be the case this time.

[above: "Holy sh¡t!" cried thousands of security experts in Japan. "Holy sh¡t!"]