The United States and North Korea have struck yet another deal. This time, the two parties seem to have negotiated a framework for the relaxation of U.S. economic sanctions against North Korea in exchange for the suspension of Pyongyang's ballistic missile testing program. Some ask, why does the U.S. bother? It is a fair question, given North Korea's image as a nation with no respect for international law, a country determined to provoke one crisis after another in pursuit of its own desperate objectives. Some argue that this deal, like the previous nuclear-framework agreement, will be discarded as soon as it no longer serves Pyongyang's needs.

When dealing with North Korea, caution is in order -- as it is in all diplomacy with potential adversaries. But the popular image of North Korea as a rogue nation is belied by the diplomatic record. North Korea's government likes to resort to brinkmanship, yet history shows that it has honored its obligations. The key to success, then, is showing the North that it has more to gain from accepting international norms than from ignoring them.

Details are sparse, but the most recent deal obliges the U.S. to lift sanctions on exports and nonmilitary investment, end the freeze on assets held by North Koreans in the U.S., permit some financial transactions and allow U.S. commercial ships to enter North Korea. In exchange, North Korea will suspend its ballistic missile testing program. North Korean officials have said that the "suspension" will continue as long as there is progress in the relationship between the two countries.