Two emails. First, a qualified defense:

I think what Ignatius is saying, although it’s certainly bizarre, is that because America is so powerful and could ruin their country in a war, or even nuke them (which we might do if actually in mortal danger) then the fact that they are concerned with the safety of their citizens indicates that they wouldn’t want to start such a war. This interpretation is supported by the fact that he also writes about filling potholes and collecting garbage. In other words, if they were getting ready to start a futile all-out war with the U.S., why would they bother taking care of short-term issues that would be irrelevant once they are getting bombed. The idea being that a country like North Korea, which neglects the welfare of its own citizens is preparing itself more for total annihilation. And, in Ignatius’ argument, the Nazis would be different because they actually thought they had a chance of winning and, indeed, were winning for quite a while. Obviously that ignores the fact that these people are delusional and infected with a crazed religious ideology and even, from a practical standpoint, if they want to gear up to fight a war, they need their citizens on their side. But I think that must be what he’s saying.

Second, a better insight than Ignatius’:

Dear Jonah… Perhaps, this is a better analogy to respond with. A country that sends children to clear mine fields (Iran-Iraq war) is a country we might have to worry about if it has nukes.