Okay, quick, tell me this: how many of you know the scope of the sanctions against North Korea that were just put in place by the United Nations? They have been described in all sorts of media as "tougher" or "more biting" or "stricter". So what do they include and will they be effective?
First, countries are required to strengthen inspections looking for suspicious cargo going to North Korea. They are also required to freeze financial transactions that might support the North Korean nuclear and missile programs. So the forbidden trade has not changed but the enforcement is supposed to be strengthened. But wait, there's more.
Second, there are sanctions that must be the main focus of the UN action since they do more than just try to enforce the old sanctions. Here is how one article describes these new tough, biting sanctions:
"In a measure targeted at the reclusive nation's ruling elite, the resolution bans all nations from exporting expensive jewelry, yachts, luxury automobiles and racing cars to the North."
Got it? Those North Koreans are no longer going to be allowed to import Bentleys, diamond tiaras, or million dollar yachts. It will probably make North Korea a living hell. Just think of life without the possibility of a ruby and emerald bracelet. Who knows; maybe the UN also banned imported caviar or French champagne. We may soon see mass suicide in North Korea due to these deprivations.
I guess I should not make light of the UN sanctions, but I find it hard not to do so. Millions of North Koreans are slowly starving to death, and it has not stopped their march towards having nuclear armed missiles. North Korea's economy is slightly smaller than one of your local McDonalds but they continue developing these missiles and warheads. What genius came up with banning limousines and yachts and jewelry? Is this the first mark of the ultra-rich John Kerry on the international scene. Will this approach be broadened? What comes next? Will the UN try to stop the Iranian nuclear program by banning the sale of pork, bikinis and vodka to the Islamic Republic?
North Korea's nuclear weapons are not a laughing matter. Washington and the UN should stop treating them as such.
First, countries are required to strengthen inspections looking for suspicious cargo going to North Korea. They are also required to freeze financial transactions that might support the North Korean nuclear and missile programs. So the forbidden trade has not changed but the enforcement is supposed to be strengthened. But wait, there's more.
Second, there are sanctions that must be the main focus of the UN action since they do more than just try to enforce the old sanctions. Here is how one article describes these new tough, biting sanctions:
"In a measure targeted at the reclusive nation's ruling elite, the resolution bans all nations from exporting expensive jewelry, yachts, luxury automobiles and racing cars to the North."
Got it? Those North Koreans are no longer going to be allowed to import Bentleys, diamond tiaras, or million dollar yachts. It will probably make North Korea a living hell. Just think of life without the possibility of a ruby and emerald bracelet. Who knows; maybe the UN also banned imported caviar or French champagne. We may soon see mass suicide in North Korea due to these deprivations.
I guess I should not make light of the UN sanctions, but I find it hard not to do so. Millions of North Koreans are slowly starving to death, and it has not stopped their march towards having nuclear armed missiles. North Korea's economy is slightly smaller than one of your local McDonalds but they continue developing these missiles and warheads. What genius came up with banning limousines and yachts and jewelry? Is this the first mark of the ultra-rich John Kerry on the international scene. Will this approach be broadened? What comes next? Will the UN try to stop the Iranian nuclear program by banning the sale of pork, bikinis and vodka to the Islamic Republic?
North Korea's nuclear weapons are not a laughing matter. Washington and the UN should stop treating them as such.
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