North Korea has claimed it tested a nuclear weapon, an action it says is necessary because of continued nuclear threats from the U.S. and the effects of ongoing economic sanctions.
Analysts believe the regime has enough fissile material for 6 to 8 nuclear weapons, but not the technology to make one small enough to launch on a missile. The possibility of a test has put Japan and South Korea on alert and threatens the stability of the region. Whether or not this test is verified as a bona fide nuclear blast, it will be a true test of American diplomacy.
Diplomacy is the only solution
To deal with this crisis, the U.S. must pursue pragmatic engagement with North Korea. As Representative Curt Weldon (R-PA), the vice-chairman of the Armed Services Committee has stated, the Bush administration should be open to “dialogue and discussion.” The U.S. should continue to encourage the International Atomic Energy Agency member states and the UN Security Council to call upon North Korea to end its nuclear weapons-related activity, and initiate direct talks with Pyongyang regarding its nuclear weapons program. Also, the U.S. must provide incentives for North Korea to cease its weapons program; for example, the U.S. could clearly link further energy assistance and aid to visible evidence that North Korea's nuclear weapons activity has ended.
The administration's unwillingness to reduce U.S. stockpiles and pursuit of a new generation of nuclear weapons undermines U.S. international nonproliferation efforts. Also, Washington’s practice of sending mixed signals regarding the spread of nuclear weapons has significantly muddied the waters, rewarding some nations that break the rules and develop nuclear weapons, while vilifying others—and in the case of Iraq, invading under the misguided impression of nuclear development. A policy of 'do as I say but not as I do' is unfeasible in the nuclear age, and the recent announcement from North Korea illustrates the threat.
Take Action: Write Your Representative
Write your representative and ask that he/she call on the Bush administration to pursue direct diplomacy with North Korea. Click here to take action.
