Other analysts say North Korea has set aside diplomacy for now, and is sprinting toward full-fledged international recognition as a nuclear power, like India and Pakistan.

VOA: standard.2009.05.26

Prospects for this remain dim, but some analysts believe that North Korea might try to get negotiations restarted as a way of relieving economic pressure.

ECONOMIST: What lies behind the Dear Leader��s latest trip to China?

Analysts believe her course will set the initial tone for new North Korea policy in those capitals.

NPR: NKorea Criticizes SKorea Prez's 'Swish Of Skirt'

Analysts note that the brinkmanship from North Korea follows a historical cycle aimed at solidifying domestic support for its regime by portraying the country as under threat of invasion, while also pressuring the new South Korean administration of Park Geun-hye and the U.S. to offer aid and other incentives in order to calm tensions.

WSJ: Latest Korean Tensions Focus on Island