Israel is alarmed by Iran's recent test firing of its longest-range missile and previous threats by its president to wipe the Jewish state "off the map."

VOA: standard.2009.12.28

U.S.officials say no part of the three-stage rocket reached orbit and the launching was a thinly-disguised test of a long-range ballistic missile that was banned under a 2006 U.N.resolution.

VOA: standard.2009.04.15

U.S.officials say the self-described satellite launch would only be a cover for a test of a long-range missile, perhaps a more advanced version of the one North Korea fired eastward over Japan in 1998.

VOA: standard.2009.03.25

And a U.S. decision to postpone a long-range missile test this month could provide a pretext for the North to declare a symbolic victory.

NPR: Analysis: US Offers Talks But Not On NKorean Terms

The start of presidential campaigning in South Korea comes amid reports that North Korea could carry out a long-range missile test in coming weeks.

BBC: South Korea poll campaign kicks off

Most recently, the importance of America's alliance with Japan has been underlined by North Korea's preparations to test a long-range missile.

ECONOMIST: George Bush's best Asian buddy is retiring