MISSILE DIPLOMACY

Despite tough talk about pre-emptive strikes and the possible deployment of an American missile shield last week, the restrained response Wednesday to North Korea’s missile strikes has been appropriate and should continue.

Shortly after the United States sent the space shuttle Discovery into orbit on July 4, North Korea begin its missile tests. The country fired six missiles in four hours of pre-dawn darkness and a seventh missile later. The most dangerous, the long-range Taepodong 2, apparently failed and splashed into the Sea of Japan after less than a minute.

The missile is thought to be capable of reaching U.S. soil in Alaska, so its failure is a large embarrassment for the country’s strong military. The other tests were of short- and medium-range missiles that North Korea had successfully tested in the past. Experts surmise that the country wanted some patriotic fireworks of its own, although news of the firings was not immediately broadcast on North Korean television or radio.

Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, said “in one sense North Korea doesn’t gain much, except chest-pounding rights for the week.”

The co-author of “Crisis on the Korean Peninsula: How to Deal with a Nuclear North Korea” added: “While I disagree with the overall Bush administration strategy on North Korea, I think they are being smart tactically not to overreact.” Overreacting could worsen the divide between the United States and Japan on the one hand and South Korea and China on the other, Mr. O’Hanlon said during an on-line forum hosted by The Washington Post.

The tests brought swift condemnation from countries in Asia and around the world and prompted an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The toughest stance came from Japan, which suspended charter flights and ferry service between the countries. Japan was also expected to present a resolution to the council demanding that other nations withhold funds from the North Korean regime.

Although the Chinese government expressed “serious concern” about the missile firings, it is unlikely to take a hard line against the regime, headed by Kim Jong Il. China provides most of North Korea’s energy and food assistance. Neighboring South Korea was also muted in its condemnation. Both fear destabilizing the country and the region.

Fortunately, Japan, China, the United States and other countries have not abandoned a diplomatic solution. Before the firings, North Korean officials said talking was the best way to solve the situation. That remains true, although Pyongyang’s actions complicate matters. This reinforces the idea that direct talks between the United States and North Korea are needed to calm the current situation and to persuade the Pyongyang government to return to the six-party talks aimed at resolving the bigger issue of North Korea’s nuclear weapons.

Initial talks should focus on calming Pyongyang’s fears that the United States is working toward regime change by warning banks world wide to be wary of financial transaction with North Korean because of cases of money laundering and counterfeiting. Such financial pressures only encourage military responses such as the missile tests, says Selig Harrison, director of the Asia Program of the Center for International Policy.

Resolving this matter could re-open the door to larger talks about North Korea’s nuclear program. That would be a positive outcome to a complex situation.