Now the text of a second resolution is under discussion that would contain the measures that would be taken by the world community against North Korea. PHOTO: REUTERS
Whether the North Korean nuclear test was that of a Hydrogen bomb or was ‘just’ a conventional nuclear test is not the main issue. The fact is that nuclear tests that pose a significant danger to the world have been made. South Korea registered seismic tremors of 5.1 on the Richter scale. That information enough should have us worried.

Neither South Korea nor China – as almost the only allies of North Korea in the world – were informed about this beforehand. Both the nations are visibly shocked.

China, which has a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), fully agreed with the resolution condemning the tests that was adopted earlier today by the hurriedly staged meeting of the UNSC. This is a rare case of unanimity, and it means that North Korea is losing its only supporter.

Now the content of a second resolution is under discussion that would contain the measures that would be taken by the world community against North Korea. It is not clear what other measures could be taken other than more sanctions. But sanctions have never prevented North Korea from going ahead with nuclear development. In fact, sanctions have not really deterred any country from obtaining nuclear arsenal. Pakistan is a prime example of that.

Sanctions are not felt by state governments. The burden of it all is experienced by the common man. In Iran, thousands of children had been dying for years because of the sanctions imposed on the import of medication. That is why the UNSC should save its breath and stop its facade of yielding real power.

Have the UNSC resolutions ever done any good? In Kashmir, Palestine or elsewhere?

We live in a world where military might is everything. War and violence are an acknowledged means of politics. Just look at what Saudi Arabia is doing to Yemen and what the US has been doing to Iraq and Afghanistan for decades.

The victors of the wars are the rulers dominating the post-war political balance. The US was the first country to make use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima in 1945 at a time when World War II was nearing its end and there was no need for further destruction. It established the US as the superpower in the world.

Then the Soviets had to bring their own bomb.

And a nuclear arms race began.

Since the 70s, both India and Pakistan have joined the club of nuclear powers without asking anybody for permission. After Partition, when India had acquired nuclear capabilities, Pakistan focused all its energies into creating a bomb to match its military strength. Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto told the nation that they would end up making one, even if they had to survive on grass.

There is an acute problem with this nu