New tensions in the Koreas

Tensions between South and North Korea escalated sharply this week after Seoul officially accused Pyongyang of torpedoing the Cheonan, the South Korean warship that sank in March, killing 46 sailors. After presenting convincing evidence of North Korea’s culpability, including torpedo propeller parts found at the disaster scene, the South cut off most trade with the North and appealed to the U.N. Security Council for new sanctions. In response, the North cut all communications with the South and said any new sanctions would be met with “strong measures, including a full-scale war.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the U.S. would back South Korea as it brings its case to the U.N. Security Council. “This was an unacceptable provocation by North Korea,” she said, “and the international community has a responsibility and a duty to respond.” Many analysts believe that the ailing Kim Jong Il authorized the torpedoing to show that he’s still in command and to bolster his chances of installing his son as his successor.

“What do you do when shooting back is unthinkable and diplomacy is ineffective?” asked the Los Angeles Times in an editorial. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has acted with restraint, refusing to respond militarily to “an act of war.” Yet calling for U.N. sanctions against North Korea is fruitless: China will block them because it fears that destabilizing the Pyongyang regime will cause an exodus of refugees across its border.

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There’s plenty the U.S. can do without the U.N., said National Review. Refreeze North Korean assets, for a start. “Tightening our grip on Pyongyang’s finances would bolster U.S. leverage at a critical moment in Korean history,” perhaps speeding the demise of its dangerous leader. Let’s not mince words: “The Cheonan incident was nothing short of a terroristic massacre.”

But as long as Kim remains in power, we have to deal with him, said The Boston Globe. And while economic punishment is necessary, it’s not sufficient. America’s ultimate goal is “to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons.” And the only way to do that is to negotiate—even with a dictator who has blood on his hands.