Although Israel ordered civilians in Rafah to evacuate, charity organisations say no real plan for their move is in place
mena2 hours ago
North Korea, being a nuclear power with a penchant for aggression has literally upset the apple cart. Regional peace and stability are believed to be at high risk, especially when Pyongyang insists on maintaining a hostile stance.
In the past, the six party talks with Pyongyang failed when North Korea quit and reneged on it’s nuclear commitments. These talks that involved the United States, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia were aimed at dismantling the North’s nuclear weapons.
Subsequent efforts by United States involving regional states like China to bring the communist state back to the negotiation table have been unable to achieve results. Despite dismal economic conditions at home, the North Korean leadership has stuck to it’s guns and refused to heed the conditions set by the US. The principal demand is the dismantling of it’s nuclear weapons.
While China continues to make efforts to get the US to restart dialogue with North Korea, obstacles remain. Because of what is perceived by US officials as China’s reluctance in exerting more pressure to bear on Pyongyang, hopes in that channel are diminishing. The perception in Washington is that owing to North Korea’s heavy dependence on China it should not be a problem for Beijing to engage in some arm-twisting.
In addition, the Americans are wary of Pyongyang’s attitude. There is scepticism that the North Koreans would play for time and build up their nuclear arsenals while avoiding sanctions, even if talks were to start. Such hoodwinking at this juncture is unacceptable to the US. Despite this, policy-makers in Washington are burning the midnight oil in trying to figure out some end to the stalemate. There are now indications that the US may be exploring means to restart dialogue since pressure alone is not a viable option. Placing further sanctions on an already choked state is not likely to work.
The positive thing is that North Korea is on the brink of ushering in a new leadership. With Kim Jong-il’s health on the decline, the government is said weighing it’s options and policies. Besides, Pyongyang’s hints dropped once too often speak of a softening in stance and even resumption of dialogue. It is hoped that better sense prevails and meaningful dialogue can restart.
Although Israel ordered civilians in Rafah to evacuate, charity organisations say no real plan for their move is in place
mena2 hours ago
On Sunday, the final day of the adult competition, the UAE national team delivered a stellar performance, adding seven more medals to their tally
sports2 hours ago
Report says MAI-1 will be "far larger" than the previous smaller, open source models Microsoft had previously trained
tech2 hours ago
Country is showcasing its attractions at ATM
business2 hours ago
The turmoil on campuses has prompted several colleges and universities across the US to relocate, modify, or cancel commencement ceremonies altogether
world2 hours ago
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to send ground troops into Rafah regardless of any truce, defying international concerns
mena3 hours ago
The former president was fined for the 10th time over violating an order that bars him from making comments about jurors, witnesses and families of the judge
americas3 hours ago
Art curator Carlo Garrido's latest exhibition at World Art Dubai brought together artists on the spectrum to celebrate their work on a global platform
arts3 hours ago