Sunday, July 15, 2007

Nuclear Issues in North Korea


With my oldest daughter serving a mission in South Korea, I've been particularly concerned with the nuclear threat in nearby North Korea. Since 2003, when North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and restarted its reactor, activities in the country have been a concern.

This morning, encouraging news has been reported. The sole operating reactor has reportedly been shut down, apparently in response to U.S.-backed sanctions placed upon the country by the United Nations Security Council. These sanctions were put into place after North Korea's nuclear test in October 2006. U.N. inspectors are to verify the shutdown later today. In response to this action, North Korea will receive a large oil shipment. Disabling of the facilities will continue as economic sanctions are lifted.

This news is very welcome. It's encouraging to see an example of a peaceful solution to tensions among the nations. I'm not always confident that sanctions are enough of an incentive for countries to dismantle their nuclear programs. It remains to be seen if North Korea will cooperate fully. But I'm thrilled that things are moving in a positive direction.

3 comments:

JohnR said...

I can empathize with your concern, since most of my family on my Mom's side live within the reach of NK's mid-range missiles. This is good news, though Kim Jong Il's constant manipulation of the system for his own ends gets tiring.

onelowerlight said...

In the meantime, millions of innocent North Koreans are starving and dying as the government indoctrinates them with falsehoods as bad as anything from 1984. The whole situation over there makes me really upset about how the civilians on the ground are suffering. Kim Jong Il is one of the world's largest porn solicitors and his forces systematically rape prebubescent and adolescent girls selected from his countrymen. It's ridiculous. I really wish we could do something more than simply give in to his attempts to black mail us into supporting his regime. I understand that that's the best we can do, that we aren't really in a situation to do anything else, but I really wish there were another way. I'm not his judge, but I expect that Kim Jong Il will burn in a special place in hell, and I'd personally like front row tickets to see it.

Téa said...

I hope that the aid can get to those who really need this time around =/

It looks like sanctions work better than my dressing up as a missile during anti-nuke protests, but every thing we do for peace adds up, I think. Your daughter's service counts for much good done in the world today.

I'm glad you have some relief as a mother!