The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) has announced that North Korea is planning a terrorist attack against South Korea. CNN reports that the attack would likely be in retaliation for South Korea closing the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which was both a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and a source of income for the North Korean government. The ruling Saenuri Party is using the announcement to press for the passage of an anti-terrorism bill, but the opposition party fears that the bill would make the NIS too powerful. It is unclear if a terrorist attack from the north is being planned, but John McLaughlin, former Acting Director of the CIA, has said that “some of Kim’s actions may be laying the groundwork for dangerous miscalculation that could jeopardize Kim’s leadership and regional security.” It remains to be seen if resorting to terrorism will be a part of that miscalculation.
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