For the past decade, the US has had to deal with the North Korean nuclear crisis. Despite its aggressive rhetoric, the Bush administration has actually been fairly moderate in its dealings with North Korea. The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars are draining most of America’s military capabilities to Southwest Asia, creating an additional reason for the reason for the US to try to avoid a conflict with North Korea. Having failed in its attempt to prevent North Korea from developing its nuclear capabilities, the US is now focusing on preventing proliferation (from Al Qaeda or other groups that are very difficult to deter) and trying to convince China to put pressure on North Korea. – Summary AFRI-2004