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How Kim Jong Un got his nukes and avoided Khamenei’s fate

Having the right kind of neighbours helps. Iran’s experience will only strengthen North Korea’s resolve to build its nuclear arsenal.

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During the ninth party congress last month, Mr Kim Jong-un reiterated his pledge to “expand and strengthen” his nuclear forces, increasing both the number of weapons and the kinds of missiles carrying them.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, seen here at a major munitions industry enterprise in the country, in February reiterated his pledge to “expand and strengthen” his nuclear forces.

PHOTO: AFP

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After his not-at-all-surprising re-election as chairman of North Korea’s ruling Korean Workers’ Party in late February, Mr Kim Jong Un earned the title “Greatest Man in the World” from state media. Without going that far, one can concede that Mr Kim is at least doing better than the supreme leader of another upstart nuclear “rogue” state,

Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom an Israeli missile strike killed the same week.

The party newspaper said Mr Kim’s greatness is demonstrated by his contributions to

North Korea’s national defence and economic development.

His actual achievements in these two areas during his 14 years as paramount leader deserve a closer look, especially in the light of Iran’s fate.

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