After the sanctions

After the sanctions

Context

Fresh round of sanctions imposed on N Korea by UN Security Council

What do the sanctions entail?

The sanctions include an 89% curb on refined petroleum imports into North Korea, stringent inspections of ships transferring fuel to the country, and the expulsion of thousands of North Koreans in other countries (who send home crucial hard currency) within two years

Purpose of the sanctions

The stated aim of the sanctions regime has been to force North Korea to halt its nuclear programme and start disarmament negotiations 

Narrow scope for military action

In September, North Korea detonated its sixth underground nuclear device, which it claimed was a hydrogen bomb. That assertion remains unverified, but experts believe the explosion was many times more powerful than previous detonations

• The development has served as a reminder to the U.S. that the scope for military options may be increasingly narrowing

Solution

Author states that a revival of stalled peace negotiations between the P-5 nations and North Korea may be the only realistic alternative on the horizon. The successful conclusion of the 2015 civilian nuclear agreement between the P-5 plus Germany and Iran affords a constructive template to move ahead with North Korea

• Countries that backed the recently adopted UN nuclear weapons abolition pact should likewise lobby Pyongyang