North Korea has capability to mount a warhead on one of its long-range missiles, placing the U.S. mainland at risk.

Global Politician: "head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Vice Admiral Lowell Jacoby, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that his sources believed North Korea had the capability to mount a warhead on one of its long-range missiles, placing the U.S. mainland at risk. Jacoby's comments coincided with U.S. officials' release of satellite reconnaissance imagery showing preparations being made by the reclusive North Koreans to conduct an underground nuclear test near Kilju, North Hamgyeong Province. Reconnaissance photos showed reviewing stands under construction, a large tunnel being filled which closely resembled the one used for Pakistan's nuclear test in 1998, and heavy equipment being moved into the area -- all clear indications of an imminent underground nuclear test. In another sign that North Korea's actions are not a ruse, the country also shut down its nuclear reactor at Yongbyon, leading some Western analysts to speculate that North Korea was collecting fuel rods necessary for making plutonium.

Not surprisingly, North Korea vehemently opposes any U.S. response to its nuclear weapons development, including approaching the U.N. Security Council to impose economic sanctions. Pyongyang has indicated that such action would be considered a 'declaration of war.' But with North Korea showing visible hostility toward international disarmament efforts, it has become increasingly clear that some form of action must be taken to deter the country's dangerous nuclear ambitions. What options, then, are available to the U.S.?

Military action by the U.S. is unlikely because of the size of North Korea's conventional forces and the presence of nuclear weapons. North Korea has the fourth largest army in the world, with 1.2 million personnel. It has approximately 700,000 troops, 8,000 artillery pieces and 2,000 tanks positioned with 100 miles of the demilitarized zone. With significant commitments in Afghanistan and Iraq and possible conflicts with terrorist-"