Twenty-Years of U.S. Policy on North Korea

North Korea is one of the greatest security threats to the peace and stability of Asia and one of the United States' most vexing security challenges. It is also one of the greatest policy failures of the past two decades. This year marks the 20th anniversary since the United States and North Korea signed the Agreed Framework, which called on North Korea to freeze operation and construction of nuclear reactors suspected of being part of a covert nuclear weapons program. While this agreement framed our relations for about 8 years, from North Korea's vantage point it was a ruse, as the entire time Pyongyang continued to develop its uranium-enrichment capabilities. North Korea has tested three nuclear devices since 2006, the most recent in early 2013, and has declared itself a nuclear armed state. Belligerent and threatening rhetoric from Pyongyang's dilettante leader has escalated since he took the Kim throne in December 2011. It has launched nearly 100 ballistic missiles, artillery and rockets combined since the beginning of this year. And its web of illicit activities and dealings with terrorist organizations around the world has expanded. Ultimately, North Korea's proliferation of nuclear weapons and support to groups that oppose Western interests continues unfettered and without limitation.