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North Korea a 'tinderbox'

Former New Mexico Governor and U.S.

Former New Mexico Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson said that he's concerned about the war rhetoric coming from North Korea Monday on Jansing & Co.

"It's still a tinderbox there," said Richardson. "I do think the administration was right to send that message of the B-2 Stealth Bombers. You have to let them (North Korea) know we're around and even if they consider these rhetorical flourishes as not action, nonetheless, they are really increasing tensions in the peninsula."

In addition to the B-2 Stealth Bomber, the U.S. has flexed its military muscle by sending F-22 Stealth Fighter jets and B-52 bombers to conduct exercises in South Korea in the past week.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been making almost daily threats of nuclear strikes on South Korea and the United States. "He's somebody that is still trying to position himself as the real leader of the country," said Richardson. "My worry is that the hard line elements of the Socialist Workers Party of the North Korean Military, which really runs the show, are pulling his strings and he's kind of on the sidelines."

But Richardson does see one encouraging sign of hope. An industrial facility run jointly by North and South Korea remains open. If North Korea were to suddenly shut it down, it would be seen as a sign the North is getting ready for war.