There was a collective sigh of relief as the weekend passed without incident on the Korean Peninsula — except for a failed ballistic missile launch by North Korea. There have been fears that a clash between the United States and North Korea was imminent as Pyongyang marked an important anniversary and Washington showed growing impatience with governments that flout international rules. The risk of a crisis remains high, however, and all parties must redouble efforts to find a diplomatic way to ease the steadily rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
April 15 is a singular day in North Korea. It is "the Day of the Sun," the birthday of Kim Il Sung, founder of the modern North Korean state, who, 23 years after his death, remains the "eternal president" of the country. The day is invariably marked by celebrations: Typically a choreographed military parade that shows the world Pyongyang's weapons, but frequently there is also some other event, such as a missile launch.
This year, there were fears that North Korea would hold its sixth nuclear weapon test on Saturday, a show of strength that would be even more provocative than usual. Observers have along anticipated such a test, believing it necessary for the weaponization of the country's nuclear program. Consistent with that argument, there have been signs of preparations at one of the country's nuclear test sites.