There has been considerable discussion recently about the possibility of a limited “bloody nose” attack on North Korea. The idea presumably would be to send a message of American resolve without starting a wider war. One assumes it would look like last year’s attack on the Syrian airfield.
The dangers of escalation inherent in a “bloody nose” attack are obvious. In addition, to me, launching an attack of such limited scope is a sign of weakness, not strength. It would send a message to the North Korean regime that we are afraid of fighting a real war.
There is no point in a “bloody nose” attack, in my view, unless it draws some real blood. That means the destruction of the North Korean nuclear program, their missile program, or both.