In mid-1994, US nuclear worries about the North almost led to a second Korean war. Military tensions, now focused more on the North's missile program, remain acute with almost 2 million soldiers facing off across the ironically named Demilitarized Zone. But as of this month, some of those men on both sides of the line have started clearing mines - to restore road and rail links sundered for half a century. Fears that this would be just a one-off, or a false dawn as in the past, are belied by the sheer pace and range of developments since the summit. A new Korea, a new millennium - and a new column.
Nothing is for sure, yet.
It's high time. Ltd. Asia Times Online is designed and produced by Multimedia Asia Co., Ltd.