A lot has happened on the international stage during the last few months. Meanwhile the economical crisis seems to stay for a bit longer, some political crisis seem to emerge.

First of all there is of course the situation in North Korea, where the time seems to have turned backwards again. Some analysts say that the relations between the West, its Asian allies and North Korea will always go up and down. However this situation can't be healthy for any of both parties. Recent nuclear and missile tests, as well as the aggressive language towards some foreign nations, have turned down completely the diplomatic efforts made. The optimism became pessimism. About the successor of Kim-Jong Il, little is known, but it is very unlikely to change this. Certainly if, as said in the press, the retiring leader choose the son who most resembles himself. We will have to wait and see, but most likely North Korea will, as the BBC puts it, continue to be the classic example of the dilemmas involved in dealing with a state whose behavior is predictably unpredictable. So where do we have to search for possible outcomes? A military action is almost unthinkable, considering the military power that North Korea actually represents. It has not only short and long range missiles (which could even reach Hawaii), but also the best trained army in the world. And above all a very unpredictable leader who could cause, by any such intent, a world disaster. More economical sanctions are not only almost impossible, they are also ineffective since they only really harm the average citizen. Above that it will only strengthen the government in its conviction to further arm the country and to sell its technology to anyone, including terrorists. The only possibility left at the moment is to search to resume the six-party talks as soon as possible.

Furthermore the developments in Iran are another important issue on the international agenda. As you will know the possible fraud at the recent presidential elections have lead to massive protest in the streets of Tehran. The restrictions imposed to the international media, strengthened even more the protesting opposition. Through the internet they reached even more people far abroad. However, to me, it seems wrong, concentrating the discussion on this presidential election. Even if Mr Musavi would have been confirmed as winner of the elections, not much would have changed. Even though he is a reformist, he could never pass over the Supreme Leader on important issues, such as Foreign Affairs, Military policy and the Nuclear Issue. Lets not forget this!