It could be the start of something new

From axis of evil to fulcrum of farce. North Korea handed over a declaration of its nuclear programme to Chinese officials in part of a deal that allows US President George Bush to lift trade sanctions and notify Congress that he intends to take North Korea off the State Department list of nations that sponsor terrorism. This is in marked contrast to Bush's approach on Iran which has not developed a nuclear weapon but faces the threat of attack. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that North Korea is being rewarded for its behaviour, which is why John Bolton described what Bush is doing as 'shameful'.

Certainly the heated rhetoric has been dropped by Washington in favour of a more pragmatic approach. But it would be wrong to consider this the end of the North Korea question. The country is in dire straits, close to a collapse which would have severe consequences for South Korea. The nuclear deal does not guarantee that collapse will not happen but it does start a possible process which could lead to greater engagement by North Korea with its neighbours. The saga provides lessons in nuclear diplomacy that go far beyond the Korean peninsula.