One year ago, North Korea claimed to have detonated a nuclear weapon in an underground facility. The test itself was scorned by world leaders as scientists probed whether the test was actually of a nuclear device or a DPRK hoax.

Nearly a year later, Pyongyang has agreed to dismantle its nuclear facilities in exchange for nearly one million tons of fuel oil and the completion of two light fuel reactors. Construction of the light reactors was halted in 2002 after North Korea violated a disarmament agreement. Once again, Kim Jong-il has successfully obtained free resources from the international community by reneging on standing agreements, only to agree on the terms again in exchange for increased benefits.