North Korea launches second missile test; CFR explains Korean conflicts; San Suu Kyi says 'not guilty'; Pakistani court allows Sharif to contest elections; and more

Top of the Agenda: North Korea Fires More Missiles

A day after provoking international outrage by conducting a nuclear test yesterday, North Korea has reportedly fired two more short-range missiles today (Yonhap). The country fired three missiles yesterday, coinciding with the detonation of a nuclear device in northeastern North Korea, the first nuclear test the country has run since its initial test in October 2006. The Korea Times says the test has brought inter-Korean tensions to a ten-year peak and questions whether the peninsula could be headed back to a confrontational period similar to that experienced during the Cold War.

The UN Security Council unanimously condemned (Reuters) North Korea's test yesterday, saying it represents a clear violation of a resolution passed following the country's 2006 test. The text of the UN resolution from 2006 is available here. The reprimand is nonbinding, however, and it remains to be seen what policy changes, if any, will come in the wake of the test. The New York Times reports U.S. President Barack Obama is inclined to react more sharply than the United States did in 2006, but that his options could be limited due to resistance of tough sanctions by China and Russia.

Analysis:

- CFR's Sheila Smith says in a new interview that the United Nations' nonproliferation regime faces a moment of truth and says the United States should make clear that it will not accept a nuclear North Korea.

- CFR's Crisis Guide gives an in-depth history of the conflict on the Korean peninsula.

- A new CFR Task Force Report looks at ways to bolster nonproliferation efforts.

 

PACIFIC RIM: Suu Kyi Denies Charges

Myanmar's pro-democracy opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi denied charges (BBC) recently levied against her by the country's government, and Myanmar's government made a rare concession allowing some local journalists and diplomats to attend Suu Kyi's trial.

AUSTRALIA: The Australian reports a bullish attitude toward Australian mining stocks has pushed up equities across Australian markets.

 

ELSEWHERE:

Ahmadinejad expresses willingness to meet face-to-face with Obama.

Pakistan court reverses ruling barring former PM Sharif from office.

This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org.