SEOUL—North Korea's deadly attack on a populated South Korean island dramatically escalated the conflict between the two countries, leaving Seoul and its allies hunting for a response that would stave off more attacks but stop short of sparking war.The U.S. and South Korea said on Wednesday their first response would be to stage a joint naval exercise involving a U.S. aircraft carrier on Sunday off South Korea's west coast. The exercise will happen south of the area where the attack occurred but in water that prompted a Chinese protest earlier this year when the U.S. considered sending a carrier.

No more Hyundais and Kias.

I think we should be transferring control of our bases in SK and get our troops out of there. It's time SK and Japan take the lead role in their countries national defense and not rely on US backing.