If politics makes for strange bedfellows, what does diplomacy make?

Seems there's always a little something going on behind the curtain, but occasionally a bit peeks out. According to James Hackett in the Washington Times, the North Koreans didn't roll over because we rattled sabers. They rolled over because we froze their money: "The Treasury Department's freeze of the leadership's honey pot of ill-gotten cash at the Banco Delta Asia in Macau was the most effective sanction this country ever used. The Treasury also had North Korea on an international financial blacklist that made it difficult for Pyongyang to do any international business."
"So let's recap. North Korea launches seven missiles in one day and then tests a nuclear weapon. Then the United States negotiates and makes major concessions in exchange for the closure of an old nuclear facility, a stack of old documents and a vague promise of more information in the future. Is it any surprise that Iran, North Korea's partner in the Axis of Evil, now has launched nine missiles, saying they can strike Israel and U.S. bases? Tehran also tested torpedoes and land-to-sea missiles, and threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz through which 40 percent of the world's oil flows. The saber-rattling is meant to warn the U.S. and Israel that any attack on Iran's nuclear facilities would lead to a major war and that Iran can make the West suffer.
It also is an invitation to Sen. Barack Obama, who has called for negotiations with Iran without conditions, to come and offer concessions when and if he is elected. In reaction to Iran's missile tests, Mr. Obama said he favors direct diplomacy and the offer of new incentives. Tehran would love to "negotiate" with Mr. Obama or an envoy like Jimmy Carter, one who gives adversaries what they want. In contrast, Sen. John McCain says Iran's missile tests show we need effective defenses in Europe, including the planned sites in Poland and the Czech Republic and that we should continue working with our allies to pressure Iran and not undermine their efforts with unilateral concessions. On this issue, Mr. McCain is exactly right."

Rico says they're both right; we should negotiate, and we should build a missile defense system. And, if necessary, hire the Israelis to blow the crap out of their nuclear facilities...