Fears, questions about N. Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal

By KIM TONG-HYUNG and HYUNG-JIN KIM
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea’s recent resumption of missile tests underscores its resolve to win international recognition as a legitimate nuclear state and receive outside concessions. North Korea clams its nuclear weapons are combat ready, but some foreign governments and experts remain skeptical about how close it has come to obtaining a functioning nuclear arsenal. They question whether North Korea has achieved an ability to build nuclear warheads small enough to be placed on missiles targeting the mainland U.S. and its allies and to protect those warheads from the harsh conditions during atmospheric reentry.