U.S. Suspects North Korea Moved Ahead on Weapons

In North Korea, the US finds itself in the opposite situation that it faced in Iraq. In his article The New York Times writer notes the irony.: "The government of Saddam Hussein insisted it held no weapons, and Mr. Bush is seeking to prove that it did. In North Korea, the government is boasting of a major program, in hopes of winning a negotiating advantage — or threatening American allies." The inexact nature of US intelligence information regarding the veracity of North Korea’s alleged nuclear capabilities makes US foreign policy towards North Korea vulnerable to shifts in North Korea’s diplomatic response. Recently, in a meeting with the US in Beijing, North Korea confirmed the production of weapons grade material. Is the statement meant to deter US military action against North Korea? Or is it intended to pressure the US for increased concessions? Until the US intelligence information can provide more exact information, the guessing game will continue. –YaleGlobal.