Korea: October 20, 2000

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North Korea's charm offensive is bearing results, with more nations willing to resume diplomatic relations (which makes it easier for the North Koreans to extract foreign aid or bribes to prop up their inefficient socialist economy. Some 15 European and ten Asian nations have offered to restore diplomatic relations. Decades of drug dealing, terrorism and other criminal activity by North Korean diplomats caused one nation after another to sever relations. The idea now is that there may be a way to peacefully get communist party (a few percent of the population) out of control and economic viability restored. This will be difficult, as the government has ruled the country with terror and secret police for over half a century. Many of the current rulers know what's in store for them from a vengeful population should democracy come to the north. 

 

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