Kim Jong-Il Goes Nuclear

Posted on October 10, 2006

World leaders are furious at North Korea for detonating a nuclear device in a test, but it's unclear whether the explosion was nuclear or just a traditional bomb. It's also appears that the test was a bit of a dud. So what exactly is the world going to do about Crazy Kim's latest escapade?

North Korea now faces the threat of U.N. sanctions which, diplomats said, are tailored after existing sanctions imposed by the United States. A draft resolution attempts to target the country's weapons and illicit drug trade to punish Kim's regime and not civilians, Bolton said. North Korea's people often go hungry, with the government unable to provide for basic needs after decades of economic mismanagement. (Watch what life is like at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas -- 2:06 )
"Our aim in the sanctions we proposed is precisely not to do anything to worsen the terrible condition of the people who have suffered under this regime," Bolton said. "Our draft resolution, in fact, carves out explicit exemptions for humanitarian supplies. To the extent that we are able to, we will try to keep that flowing to the North Korean people who need it." Japan has tacked on additional sanctions to the draft resolution. How stiff possible sanctions would be in the end is unclear. Although they joined other nations in condemning Monday's test, the ambassadors of veto-wielding Security Council members Russia and China -- who have opposed sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program -- have been vague on whether they would also oppose such a move against North Korea.
But on Tuesday, Wang Guangya, China's ambassador to the United Nations, signaled that his country may be willing to support limited sanctions. "There has to be some punitive actions, but also I think these actions have to be appropriate, so we will discuss with others," he said. Asked what measures China would support, he said, "It is punitive. I think that implies something." Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov indicated there was some difference between his country's approach to Iran and its dealings with North Korea.
"What's the difference between the situation in North Korea and Iran? In my opinion -- according to all information available -- Iran doesn't have a nuclear device, not even any enriched uranium or plutonium, while North Korea does," Ivanov said. "That's the primary difference between the two countries, and I hope you agree with me that it's substantial, very substantial." Pak Kil Yon, North Korean ambassador to the United Nations, scoffed at the idea of sanctions Tuesday. "Sanctions will not solve the problem at all," he said.

So, maybe sanctions. Maybe some tough talk. Maybe nothing. But one good thing has already come out of this: long-time enemies China and Japan have increased contacts and actually had a meeting to discuss what to do about Crazy Kim. Maybe China should talk to the Saudis about that wall they're building to keep the Iraqis out of Saudi Arabia. Because if North Korea does end up in a war with someone, all those refugees are going to head north to China. And that's the last thing that China wants -- more people to feed.