Oh here we go again. Are we about to see another media frenzy of having 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' (WMD) plastered all over our front pages? It seems likely, except this is a far cry from Bush's subliminal messaging – the latest rumbles in the world are coming from North Korea's recent underground nuclear missile testing.

And boy, have they pissed almost everyone off. According to Yonhap news agency, UN diplomats are discussing "tough measures" with regards to a resolution to punish North Korea's actions. Bear in mind UN Resolution 1718 imposed sanctions on North Korea after their first nuclear test in October 2006 - they didn't play by the rules then, and they're certainly not playing by the rules now; with last Monday's blast having the power of a 4.5 magnitude earthquake (an explosion up to 20 kilotons according to Russian defence officials).

But with a zero death count, what's all the noise about one might ask. The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said: "The US thinks that this is a grave violation of international law and a threat to regional and international peace and security" - that coming from a nation that dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945, killing more than 220,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But that was then, this is now, and nations including the US, China and tell-tale neighbours South Korea, have all voiced their anger and concern at one of the world's most impoverished regimes taking yet another defiant step towards WMD status - this all coming after liar liars North Korea promising to walk away from long-running disarmament talks (agreeing in February 2007 to abandon their nuclear ambitions in return for aid and diplomatic concessions). However, throw another spanner in the nuclear works, as these plans stalled after North Korea accused its negotiating partners - the US, South Korea, Japan, China and Russia - of failing to meet agreed obligations – which brings us nicely, and sadly onto today's predicament...

After false promises to North Korea, can anything really justify their latest devastating actions? And what is to come of this small, but ever powerful and feared nation? Ctrl.Alt.Shift took this explosive subject to the streets and asked:

What is your stance on North Korea's recent nuclear bomb testing (in light of their history)?
Why do you think they carried out such tests?
Do you think it's right for powers in the UN and US to pass down judgement and punishment for North Korea's actions?
What punishment would you bestow upon the nation?
And do WMD's have any place in this world anymore?

Edward, 16:
"I can understand why North Korea would want to produce these weapons; they want to defend themselves. When you consider America has so many, you have to think they (N Korea) are making them to feel safe and for the people to know they have the resources. I think it's right for the UN to condemn the actions, however I don't think America have any right to do so, as they possess the weapons themselves. WMDs shouldn't have a role in this world, it's wrong - nations only possess them to protect themselves from other nations, but I think most probably want rid of them but don't want to be the first to do so."

Joel, 18:
"Given the fact that North Korea is a dictatorship, this doesn't surprise me at all. I'm not sure what the motivation for this is, however it is going to be political. I think the UN and US have a right to pass judgement because while they possess the same weapons, they are not actively testing them - I feel there's a huge difference between active nuclear testing and already having the technology. In terms of punishment, I wonder if any sanctions or military action would actually make a difference to the situation...I don't think so. There is a phrase that sums up the need for WMDs, and that is: 'If you want peace, prepare for war'"

William, 18:
"I think the fact that North Korea are testing now is a bit dodgy, especially if we are the intended target of the bombs. However, given the fact that most other nations have them, why shouldn't they be allowed to develop theirs? I don't think it is fair that certain countries should be allowed but not others - though North Korea are playing a dangerous game when you consider that the US invaded Iraq due to suspicions of WMDs, and they could do it again. There's a real need for disarming these weapons, although I doubt that will ever happen."

Mannray, 21:
"I think that crazy old man Kim Jong II has lost even more of his marbles after this last action. He's dying, old and doesn't give a monkey about his people - he just wants to cause as much chaos as possible before he dies. I think he is doing these tests so he can prepare to take on the likes of the US and Japan, which is a scary thought. I think the UN and US do have a right to condemn these actions, because they recognise that this man is not stable and if he does have nuclear capabilities, he is far more likely to launch a missile than the likes of the US. I don't know about a punishment, nothing you do to North Korea will change the situation; we need to send Kim Jong II to jail. I think WMDs still have a place in the world today, not necessarily a good role, but they maintain peace by scaring the hell out of people - a nation is much less likely to be attacked if they have nuclear warheads."

Barbara, 16:
"I don't think it is a good thing at all - the US and Russia have so many nuclear bombs, but don't use them, yet I can only see North Korea wanting to challenge America with this move. I do think the UN have a right to condemn these actions; the UN runs a democratic voting system, so I think it is big enough to run and rule over a nation. However, there is not a lot you can do to punish the country. I think the role of WMDs is to operate as a form of defence, and now they are here, I doubt they will ever go away."

Alex, 18:
"I don't agree with North Korea's recent move, however I can understand the reasoning behind it - I think they are using these weapons to gain political and military clout. I don't think the UN and US have a right to run a sanction over North Korea; it's a bit hypocritical, and even if they do condemn the move, North Korea don't actually respect either of them anyway. I think WMDs are a form of defence rather than offence, however due to the catch-22 situation of no country willing to disarm first in the fear that the other countries will not follow suit, I don't think they will ever go away."

Words: Dwain Lucktung, Ben Anderson and Stephanie Hubbard


To gain a clearer understanding of the nuclear crisis in North Korea, here is a timeline of events leading up to this week's tests, provided by the BBC website:

Oct 2006 - North Korea conducts an underground nuclear test
Feb 2007 - North Korea agrees to close its main nuclear reactor in exchange for fuel aid
June 2007 - North Korea shuts its main Yongbyon reactor
June 2008 - North Korea makes its long-awaited declaration of nuclear assets
Oct 2008 - The US removes North Korea from its list of countries which sponsor terrorism
Dec 2008 - Pyongyang slows work to dismantle its nuclear programme after a US decision to suspend energy aid
Jan 2009 - The North says it is scrapping all military and political deals with the South, accusing it of "hostile intent"
April 2009 - Pyongyang launches a rocket carrying what it says is a communications satellite
25 May 2009 - North Korea conducts a second nuclear test