US Had Doubts on North Korean Uranium Drive

In 2002, US officials used intelligence reports not only to expound the danger of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, but also build a case against North Korea. The US accused Pyongyang of seeking to enrich uranium for use in a nuclear bomb and North Korea expelled weapons inspectors. Nearly five years later, as North Korea once again opens its doors for inspectors, American intelligence officials express doubt about the extent of North Korea’s drive for uranium enrichment. The harsh stance on the part of the US was designed to prevent nuclear development, but instead encouraged North Korea’s expansion of its plutonium arsenal, including the nuclear device tested in October of last year. The doubts raise broader questions about the accuracy of intelligence gathering and analysis, and reiterate the need for level-headedness and diplomacy as the world debates Iran’s nuclear program. – YaleGlobal