North Korea Needs Some "Act Right"

When I read news of this nature, it is both frustrating and annoying.  What should be done in regards to North Korea?  It is definitely a question for the international community, because of norms and standards surrounding nuclear nonproliferation.  But it seems that standards and expectations mean little, because N. Korea and Kim Jong-Il seems intent on establishing a nuclear program.

The importance of it lies not necessarily in an imminent threat of a nuclear weapon from N. Korea but in showing proper responses to them that identifies a no-tolerance policy toward this continued nuclear program exploration.  

So far, negotiations are not offering North Korea an incentive to refrain from advancing their research.  As an article I read suggests, it is actually emboldening them – it is possible Jong-il wants to make the threat of the program more imminent and real to increase his bargaining position.  It seems the only consequence thus far is that the world shakes their head and wags their finger.

At this rate, we will be on an oscillating wave of negotiations and stalls as North Korea continues to develop their nuclear program in tandem with talks meant to restrict their nuclear program.  I advocate tough love.  

I do not understand how the N. Korean government is willing to pursue nuclear capabilities with a struggling economy.  North Korea’s government acts as though it would desire direct negotiations with the U.S., but then continues working on its program without any obvious restraint out of respect for negotiation or diplomacy.  

Rather than simply saying “we won’t talk to you anymore”, only to end up coming back to the table a few months later, I say take away their necessities in direct consequence to another “achievement” in the nuclear capabilities of the country.  With this successful test, countries should have withdrawn aide from this country whose economy is already ailing.

While this hurts the people of a country without democratic voice or representation, I believe that if they see the actions of the government are directly affecting them, it may weaken the position of Jong-il or any of his suggested successors in the country.  

Rather than the rhetoric of disapproval, I suggest a measured action that represents an obvious sign to North Korea that there can be no compromise if they do not at least observe international expectations in good faith during negotiations.