I have to beat down the cynic in me, as my first response to the passage of UN Resolution 1718, with approved sanctions against N. Korea was less that optimistic. I have ranted in the recent past about the lack of effectiveness of UN resolutions, especially when dealing with dangerous dictators with no regard for the life of their own people.

I would really like to believe that 1718 will be different. It is supposed to have some teeth in it, though stops short of the full list the US, Japan, and Brittan wanted. However, with millions of N. Koreans dying of starvation, I give it little hope. Perhaps the block on luxury goods, like Kim’s precious burgundy, or designer glasses will have an effect where the lives of his subjects did not.

So what do we know? As the writing of this entry, the resolution is not available on the UN document library. However, when it is posted (probably in the next day or two) it should be available here.

What UN Resolution Covers:

  • Demands N. Korea eliminates all weapons of mass destruction including nuclear and ballistic missiles.
  • Calls N. Korea to immediately return to the 6 party talks.
  • Imposes financial sanctions, that what is unclear.
  • Blocks the sale of conventional and heavy weapons (tanks, missiles, helicopters, but not small arms).
  • Demands UN members freeze the funds of individuals or businesses that have links to N. Korea weapons programs.
  • Allows nations to inspect N. Korea cargo ships moving in and out of those nations waters.
  • Blocks the sale of luxury goods to N. Korea – a personal stab at Kim and his many vices.

So basically a good start, though not sufficient in my opinion. John Bolton, the US envoy to the UN expressed similar sentiments.

What the UN Resolution doesn’t provide:

  • Blockade of N. Korea to halt the sale of nuclear items to other countries, like Iran.
  • Blocking the sale of all arms and munitions to N. Korea
  • Threat of military action should N. Korea continue to disregard the resolution.

Most concerning to me is the double step that China and Russia are performing. While signing up the heavily modified resolution, China continues to warn against taking provocative steps, such as inspecting N. Korea ships for banned weapons. Russia continues to follow along with China, as has been the norm.

Without more firm support from China and Russia, along with the military threat I give this resolution little chance of success. I can only hope I will be proved wrong.

Also Reporting:
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Stop the ACLU
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