Erstellt am: 19. 4. 2012 - 15:30 Uhr

It's all about "good guys" and "bad guys"

Reality Check: India missile test, Afghanistan scandal, Sudan, Argentine oil company grab, Birgitta Jonsdottir vs. the USA.

Just last week, there was international consternation over North Korea's rocket launch. Before the event, national governments across the world warned North Korea not to proceed with the launch and threatened retailiation if the launch went ahead. Japan even promised to shoot the rocket down. North Korea insisted the rocket was not designed to carry a nuclear warhead, but was simply launching a communications satellite. In the end, the much heralded and feared launch failed to get off the ground - literally. Well, maybe it got off the ground - but that was about it. It couldn't reach space, let alone another continent.

This week, India fired off a long range missile which is perfectly capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, and in fact we all know India has nuclear warheads it could attach to it. The rocket has a range of some 5,000 kilometers - which would get it to anywhere in China, among many other strategic destinations. But because it's India, no one turns a hair.

As our security analyst, Paul Rogers, explains, it all boils down to "good guys" and "bad guys". India, is seen as a "good guy" and North Korea and Iran are "bad guys". Everyone knows India has nuclear weapons - they are "official" - as are those in Pakistan. No one will be much surprised if Pakistan tests a missile in the near future - they usually flex a bit of nuclear muscle every time India does. However, that will be shrugged off by the International Community too. Despite the fact that Pakistan has a large and aggressive Taliban and numerous al Qaeda related groups, Pakistan is still a "good guy" and therefore supposedly unlikely to let nuclear weapons get into the wrong hands.

Perhaps the shocking part of this story is not who has what but that, at the end of the day, the International Community takes this highly simplistic view of the world.

Another US troop scandal in Afghanistan

The world has been shocked by photos of US troops posing with body parts of dead Afghan militants. Simon Marks reports on the political and security fallout.

Sudan's al-Bashir wants to "liberate" South Sudan

Sudan's President Omar Al Bashir is seeking to re-unite Sudan and South Sudan, raising the threat of an all-out war.

Oil row between Spain and Argentina

Argentina is to re-nationalise the Spanish controlled oil company, YPF, angering the Spanish Industry minister who is calling for diplomatic and trade retailiation

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner says the Argentine government will sieze a 51% stake in the company, taking the shares from the 57% held by the Spanish company, Repsol.

Why Birgitta Jonsdottir is taking the US to court

Icelandic politician and activist, Birgitta Johnsdottir, tells Chris Cummins why she is suing the United States.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.