North Korea's mysterious satellite launch: 3 theories

The hermit kingdom swears that it will launch a satellite into space any day now. Is this just a precursor to a nuclear test?

In preparation for North Korea's planned rocket launch, Japan's Dense Ministry in Tokyo has deployed a land-based system of interceptor missiles.
(Image credit: AFLO/Nippon News/Corbis)

North Korea is moving ahead with plans to conduct a satellite launch — sometime between April 12 and April 16 — to commemorate the 100th birthday of the country's founder, Kim Il Sung. Of course, suspicions abound that the rogue nation is up to no good, and the launch is seen as the most aggressive move that North Korea has made since Kim Il Sung's grandson, Kim Jong Un, came to power four months ago. U.S. officials say the launch is a cover for a long-range missile test, which would shatter a February deal to provide North Korea with much-needed food aid in exchange for a moratorium on its nuclear activities. What is North Korea up to? Here, three theories:

1. Kim Jong Un is cementing his hold on power

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