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Dosen't seem like it. He seems to be in total control. It's not far fetched to think so. In any case, on what basis do you say that he is only a figurehead?

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That his supposed power is entirely based upon the North Korean military, I see him as nothing but a puppet.

Well, his family's cult of personality ensures that the military will tow the line.

It's not unheard of in history for one person to have absolute control over a large military force. Hitler comes to mind.

Read about the Korean War and how his grandfather managed to get China and Russia to help. This situation also reminds me of the Cuban Missile Crisis under Kennedy - perhaps the only short term viable option if you want a real embargo.

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