Taking the issue to the U.N. Security Council, which Pyongyang opposes, "is something we're giving increasing study to and probably will come to a decision over the next few weeks," the official told reporters.
"We have the one anniversary (of the last six-party talks) but moreover we have an escalating downward spiral of threats by North Korea and it appears to be marching to its own frustration drum. It's a very good time to be talking about it, the June-July period," he said.
I'm not so sure that this is a good idea. I'm all for squeezing North Korea but I'd rather not go the UN route for two basic reasons: one, just how effective would the UN be given how we've seen the international community's abilities regarding Iraq in oil-for-food. Two, North Korea is hyper-sensitive to perceived slights. Saving face will be a major factor. Even an ineffective sanctions regime might prompt North Korea to feel humiliated and to strike south figuring they needed to roll the dice to reverse their defeat.
Conversely, if we tighten the screws outside the UN it may be more effective done by us and our allies; and not the insult to Pyongyang since it would be done quietly with no fanfare and therefore public humiliation. North Korea will save face even as they crumble.
Cut off our food aid and let China pick up the tab since Peking continues to ship fuel and food to prop of the Pillsbury Nuke Boy's regime. Convince the South Koreans to help us and we will go a long way to breaking North Korea.
Boil the frog, slowly. And quietly.
