The Watchword is Restraint

The success of the US-led war in Iraq has brought to the forefront the possibility of military conflict between the United States and North Korea. The Bush Administration has identified North Korea as part of the "axis of evil" but so far has resisted direct military action against the Communist nation. North Korea appears to be exercising restraint in developing its nuclear program, while most countries in East Asia – China, South Korea and Japan – unanimously oppose a military confrontation between the United States and North Korea. The uncertainty regarding America's foreign policy and its response to North Korea has had the effect of reconfiguring alliances in East Asia. – YaleGlobal