North Korea’s nuclear activity in recent weeks has raised regional tensions and highlighted the inability of the major powers, specifically the United States and China, to curb these brazen nuclear moves. Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s supreme leader, is purposely defying the international community with his ambitious nuclear weapons program. Experts say that North Korea has enough fissile material for 30 bombs.
Though its four most recent tests have failed in one way or another, North Korea’s threat must be taken more seriously. While sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council are very important, they seem to be having little or no effect. Besides, sanctions alone are not enough to mitigate this serious threat. On the other hand, backing an inexperienced and reckless leader like Mr Kim into a corner is very risky and might lead to even more dangerous responses.
North Korea’s nuclear-related activity has surged over the last few months, part of an effort by Mr Kim to enhance his influence ahead of a rare congress of his ruling Workers’ Party, which met on 6th May.
So far, President Obama has shown little interest in applying an approach that he pursued successfully with Iran - that is a combination of sanctions and negotiations - with North Korea. But sooner or later, Kim Jong-un must be persuaded to shift his attention to reform his country’s economy while pushing for a new peace proposal.
Jos Edmond Zarb
Birkirkara