Instead, thanks to the professional arms controllers, the United States is going to help perpetuate Kim Jong-Il's hold on power, in exchange for his shutting down an obsolescent reactor and his promises to keep talking, probably endlessly and certainly inconclusively, about his growing nuclear weapons stockpile.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Arms controllers return

In exchange, North Korea agreed to stop running its smaller reactor and promised to allow the previously blocked international inspections, but only at some time in the future.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Saddam's Lessons In Arms Control

In exchange for energy and financial assistance, North Korea last year agreed to shut down its Yongbyon nuclear reactor and declare the scope of its nuclear program.

WSJ: Korean Dictator's Health Is Questioned