North Korea

Kim Jong-il’s regime seems to respond better to the carrot than the stick. The United States and others could try walking in Kim’s shoes as they look to reduce tensions.

International attention is usually focused on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. But Pyongyang’s growing chemical and biological weapons capabilities are worrying Seoul.

Outside aid has failed to help a starving North Korean populace. If aid agencies are serious about helping they should make sure Kim Jong-il’s regime accounts for what it receives.

News last month that an alleged North Korean spy tried to kill an anti-Pyongyang activist is a reminder that Kim Jong-il’s spies are active. But some say the attacks aren’t what they used to be.

Deterring North Korea is a tough job, but someone has to do it. A better earth penetrating nuclear weapon might help.

North Korea is showing signs of wanting to get back to talks. But without any changes to its behaviour, it might be better to focus on the next generation.

A rare visit by a North Korean official to Cambodia raises the faint prospect of more engagement with Southeast Asia. But ties with Phnom Penh are complicated.

Asia is bound to be a focus for Leon Panetta as US defence secretary. With China’s rise, India and Pakistan squabbling and a belligerent North Korea, there’s plenty to do.

The hundreds of North Koreans escaping into China each year are facing ever tougher border controls. Those caught face imprisonment and torture.

With US attention focused on the Arab World and Pakistan, will Kim Jong-il spring another attention seeking nuclear surprise?

North Korea and Pakistan have many differences. But they also share some key similarities—not least a history of taking the US for a ride.

Pyongyang isn’t interested in genuine talks, Richard Bush tells The Diplomat. Kim Jong-il is likely just stalling while the country perfects a nuclear weapon.