Kim Jong-un has surprised the West

TEHRAN,Jan.5(MNA)--North Korea recently launched a long-range rocket, but the move was harshly criticized by Japan, South Korea, and the major Western countries. The measure created a media frenzy, and in an internet poll, the readers of Time magazine chose North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as their Person of the Year. However, the editors of Time chose U.S. President Barack Obama as the magazine’s official Person of the Year. After the death of former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, many political analysts in the West expected the system to collapse, since it was always regarded as a textbook example of one-man rule. Thus, in the first few days and weeks after the transfer of power, many analyses and commentaries were written claiming that North Korea’s young leader would soon begin an extensive reform of the system. However, Kim Jong-un declared that he would continue the leadership style of his father and that he would firmly adhere to the principles that North Korea has followed over the years. There are a number of reasons for the media hype about North Korea’s new leader that led to his selection as the Person of the Year by the readers of Time. For example, Kim Jong-un has successfully implemented some new measures. He has also managed to keep the old guard in his inner circle while strengthening his popular base of support in North Korean society. The successful launch of the long-range rocket has raised Kim Jong-un’s profile both inside and outside the country. Despite the West’s extensive economic and military embargos on North Korea, Pyongyang was able to put a satellite in orbit. This came as a big surprise to Western countries, including the United States, since they never thought the country would be able to carry out such a complex task, especially after a North Korea rocket malfunctioned in a test launch in April. Thus, the move clearly shows that North Korea has reached a high level of scientific expertise, especially in the area of military technology, and will continue making progress, despite the sanctions imposed by the West. In light of what North Korea’s new leader has achieved over the past few months, it can be said that the Western plot to topple the country’s ruling system has reached a dead end since Pyongyang has no intention to revise its approach toward the West and its regional allies. Javad Mansouri is a political analyst who formerly served as Iran’s ambassador to China. (By Javad Mansouri )