Diplomats say the U.S. and North Korea's neighbors are pushing for North Korea to shut down its main nuclear reactor at Yongbyon and submit to international inspections.

NPR: Hope Seen at North Korean Nuclear Talks

Meanwhile, Chinese officials reported that North Korea has agreed to disable its main nuclear reactor and give full details of its nuclear programme by the end of the year.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

Corporate taxation is so heavy in the U.S. relative to other countries that even while enjoying its near-zero rate in Ireland, Apple ends up with roughly the same overall effective tax rate, 14%, as South Korea's Samsung, its main global competitor.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: The Apple Tax Diversion

China, North Korea's main backer, has not yet given its official reaction to Kim Jong-il's death.

BBC: Kim Jong-il death triggers swift regional reaction