North Korea - A test for diplomacy

ONLY a few countries have the capacity to undermine the stability of entire regions. Even fewer seem so far outside what is considered rational that normal negotiation procedures routinely fail to deter the most dangerous and extreme actions.

North Korea is one of those and every time it flexes its muscles, especially as it has nuclear capabilities, the world is forced to hold its breath.

It is difficult to know how to penetrate a country that holds its own citizens in such a terrible steely grip. It is difficult to know how to convince a country that will allow its citizens starve to death rather than take help from the outside world. Once again world peace seems to depend on powerful but effective diplomacy