North Korea: Continuing To Push The Nuclear Envelope

Perhaps you were unaware, but North Korea conducted its second nuclear test by exploding a device just this past May 25th. The first underground test occurred May 2nd.

Because of this and other violations, the UN Security Council issued a resolution which asks for all 192 U.N. member states to inspect vessels on the high seas "if they have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that the cargo" contains banned weapons or material to make them, and if approval is given by the country whose flag the ship sails under.

Yes, you read that correct. The country whose flag is flown on the target ship must be asked for permission to board said ship.

Oh well, that pretty much solves things.

With one caveat: if the country refuses to give approval, it must direct the vessel "to an appropriate and convenient port for the required inspection by the local authorities." However, "the new UN Security Council resolution calls for ports to withhold fuel and supplies from ships thought to be carrying prohibited items, unless those ships allow themselves to be searched."

So now, our guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) is following the North Korean cargo ship Kang Nam as it heads towards Myanmar (formerly Burma), the Kang Nam suspected of carrying illegal weapons proscribed by the UN sanction. Mr Obama, I'm certain, counts himself "present" in terms of "monitoring" the situation.

You know the Kang Nam's captain will refuse to allow her to be boarded for any reason at any location. With that in mind, here's the beauty of the UN resolution: it does not authorize use of force to carry out its provisions.

No. I am not kidding.

BZ