Confusion swirls around N. Korean nuclear test(s); plus a recap

The North Korean nuclear test (background here and here): big (i.e. successful), small (i.e. possibly flawed), failed, not at all (i.e. faked or bad reporting)? The status of the test is pondered as yet another conundrum, the diplomatic action aspect, is also laboured over. Russia has now stepped into the arena, along with (mainly) the United States, China, Japan, and, to a certain extent, South Korea (which is also wanting to become part of the nuclear club now). Obviously, the United Nations Security Council is deliberating and, as usually, it is the nitty gritty that is holding up the conclusion of that actions are to be taken in the North Korea problem that is holding making the process less and less decisive [looking]. North Korea, in the mean time, has threatened the US with war.

While the UNSC and other bodies still have their doors closed and hands in the air at each other, Japan has proposed sanctions of its own towards North Korea. A problem also faced by nations cutting off aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian [Authority] government, the European Union said that sanctions should be at North Korea (i.e. the government), not the people. Unlike with the PA, it is even closer to impossible (if that) to aid the people but not the government in the reclusive, tightly-wound nation that is North Korea.

Into the mix is China, a fellow 'communist' state known as an ally to N. Korea, who is — to put it lightly — quite annoyed at its neighbour's behaviour.
Speaking of North Korea's neighbours, how about that South Korean diplomat (Ban Ki-Moon) being pretty much guaranteed as the next UN Secretary-General? Talk about irony.

And President Bush has the plan of... well, staying the same course. He does know that he has tried and is trying that in Iraq right? *Oh, wait, nothing bad is happening there...* One ironic quote from Bush: "I believe the commander in chief must try all diplomatic measures", once again I give you Iraq and the lack of diplomatic process taken in the run-up to the 2003 invasion.

Not to be an Iraq-Bush maniac, but he had yet another ironic quote, that North Korea is a "threat to international peace". What have you done that has been more than a 'threat to international peace', Mr. President? (Hint: Iraq and related 'war on terror' sprees). Bush has been saying much monologue (rhetoric) today, stating that there will be "serious repercussions" for the alleged North Korean nuclear test.

Also, current UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan wants there to be dialogue between N. Korea and the rest. And France has said that the test failed (see first paragraph).

This issue will be tough — on multiple levels — to solve. Well, former US President Jimmy Carter has a plan.

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