An Apocalypse Lurks in the Korean Peninsula

The temporary hope of peace returning to the Korean peninsula following North Korea’s peace overtures dissipated no sooner than it started when North Korean negotiators walked out of the meeting room at the DMZ in Panmunjam. North Korea refused to take responsibility for the sinking of Cheonan and denied any involvement in the sinking, rejecting a report by a commission of international experts, which concluded that a North Korean submarine fired a torpedo at the Cheonan. China is unable (or unwilling?) to use its leverage to rein in on Pyongyang, leaving the peninsula volatile and peace fragile. Pyongyang’s brinkmanship thus continues.

Download Issue Brief