A diplomatic thaw for U.S., North Korea Stalinist relic North Korea and the United States are giving friendship a chance. President Clinton lifted some sanctions after North Korea pledged not to test long-range missiles. Passenger flights could follow. The steps are mostly symbolic, given North Korea's poverty, but they mark a big stride from belligerent exchanges over the North's Taepo-dong 2 missile. Clinton's move is backed by Tokyo and Seoul but criticized by U.S. conservatives, who note North Korea can export ballistic missiles.
Many sanctions barring sales of military goods remain.
More warming is likely to be frustratingly slow. And Pyongyang may rattle sabers to raise its bargaining leverage. Washington invents new budget tricks Expect Congress to reach deep into its bag of tricks this week. The most colorful idea would add a 13th month to fiscal year 2000 to move billions in spending outside the cap. Microsoft CEO Bill Gates agrees.