North Korea and Hamas Alliance Spells Trouble for the Hermit Kingdom
Sanctions and Ire Put Pressure on the Alliance
Overt Operator
November 17, 2023
In a recent interview with The Korea Times, analysts shed light on the alleged alliance between Hamas and North Korea. While Hamas claims North Korea as an ally, the North vehemently denies any ties with the Palestinian terrorist group.
This denial, according to experts, indicates the regime's fear of potential consequences. Admitting their arms trade with Hamas would put the regime in deeper trouble, inviting new sanctions, risking Israeli retaliation, and squandering a golden opportunity that may arise after the U.S. presidential election next year.
Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation, a California-based think tank, suggests that North Korea fears any information that would portray it as a rogue state. Such revelations could lead to increased sanctions and more effective interdiction of its weapons flowing to Gaza.
Additionally, there may be concerns about eventual Israeli retaliation, even if it doesn't happen immediately.
The recent coordinated attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 13 have united mainstream politicians in the United States behind Israel. Notably, both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the former president and leading Republican candidate for the next presidential election, have expressed their support for Israel.
President Biden has maintained unwavering support for Israel, despite facing intensifying criticism from the liberal, Palestine-sympathetic wing of the Democratic Party. On the other hand, experts suggest that North Korea prefers Trump as president, given his repeated expressions of support for the Jewish state, referring to it as "one of our closest and most cherished allies."
As the election campaign season unfolds, issues surrounding North Korea and Hamas are expected to come to the forefront. Pyongyang, it seems, would not want to be categorized in the same group as a designated terrorist organization like Hamas. The regime fears the potential ramifications of admitting any connection, including the imposition of further sanctions and the risk of Israeli retaliation.
The denial of any ties between North Korea and Hamas raises questions about the extent of their relationship. While Hamas claims North Korea as an ally, the evidence supporting this claim remains unclear. As international pressure increases, the regime faces the difficult task of balancing its interests while avoiding further isolation.
The upcoming U.S. presidential election adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as the outcome may significantly impact the regime's strategic calculations and potential opportunities.
In the coming months, it will be crucial to monitor developments regarding North Korea and Hamas. The denial of any connection may indeed be a strategic move by the regime to protect its interests and avoid further complications. However, as the international community continues to scrutinize these alleged ties, the truth may eventually emerge, potentially reshaping regional dynamics and global perceptions of North Korea.