Pyongyang Flexes its Muscles

Ignoring international pressure, UN Resolutions, diplomacy and sanctions, North Korea successfully tested a long-range rocket on Sunday. For days, the United States and North Korea’s neighbours have been dissuading the action, but the reclusive state went ahead and launched Taepodong-II over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean. It does not matter if it carries anything more than a communication satellite, as claimed by the country.

But the fact is that Pyongyang has a long-range rocket that works. And as far as the US and other countries are concerned, it is fait accompli. The US, along with South Korea and Japan, suspect that the launch of the rocket by Pyongyang, which has nuclear weapons, could be a cover for testing a long-range missile.

North Korea’s firing of the Taepodong-II is well timed. The launch was conducted shortly before the American President was to speak on arms control in Prague. An initiative at this time would help it gain optimum attention from global powers, which has been high on Pyongyang’s agenda. And North Korea has been proved right in that thinking. South Korea and Japan, deeming the launch an overt violation of a UN Resolution of 2006 - which called for halt in ‘any further nuclear test or launch of a ballistic missile’ - have voiced for an emergency session of the UN Security Council. That nothing substantial will come out of the session is besides the point. China - North Korea’s closest ally - and Russia have called for calm and restrain, and will indisputably veto any call for sanctions on the Communist state. Another aim for the provocative act by Pyongyang is to grab attention, especially at a time when the Obama administration has shown willingness to connect with hostile countries, Syria and Iran. Pyongyang seems to have used its fledgling nuclear programme as an instrument of diplomacy; it is flexing its muscles to get global powers to the table.

Internally, President Kim Jong Il has been able to prove that he is still in control. He could use such military threats to gain recognition and concessions from the powers that be. Already, Pyongyang has threatened to keep away from the six party talks - if chastised for the rocket launch.

However, all hints of direct US-North Korea talks will prove to be complicated now. The road has become tricky. “With this provocative act, North Korea has ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the comity of nations,” said Obama, from Prague. The provocative act of North Korea is condemnable, especially in a situation when nations are trying to grapple with the economic meltdown. Any shift in the dynamics of alignments, or any military offensive, would be the last straw on the camel’s back. A concerted effort to come out of the economic quagmire, though may sound Utopian, is the need of the hour for the Stalinist state.