THE BAMWATCH - AT 8:39 A.M. ET:  The president has reacted to the North Korean boomer with big words:

“Today, North Korea said that it has conducted a nuclear test in violation of international law,” Mr. Obama said in a statement early Monday. “It appears to also have attempted a short-range missile launch. These actions, while not a surprise given its statements and actions to date, are a matter of grave concern to all nations. North Korea’s attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missile program, constitute a threat to international peace and security.

“By acting in blatant defiance of the United Nations Security Council, North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community. North Korea’s behavior increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia. Such provocations will only serve to deepen North Korea’s isolation. It will not find international acceptance unless it abandons its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery,” the statement said.

COMMENT:  We had big words to greet the recent North Korean missile test, but that's where the matter ended.  The Russians and Chinese, who have veto power at the Security Council, will not go for stronger action.  We seem to have no other policy than UN action, which is no policy at all.

May 25, 2009