North Korea needs to think about its people

North Korea is in a lot of trouble as famines continue to claim an estimated 300,000 to 800,000 lives yearly. Having lost much aid from Japan, Russia, and China over the past ten years, North Korea is finding itself in dire straights.

In 1998, the United States was North Korea's greatest food donor. Now, relations between the two countries are rocky because of North Korea's decision to continue its secretive nuclear program and missile technology sales.

The U.S. would be right in denying humanitarian aid to North Korea, especially if it cannot maintain control over food distribution channels. Any and all help is simply the product of the United States' strong policies concerning humanitarian aid.

While the U.S. feels the obligation to provide humanitarian aid, it has also made the elimination of nuclear warfare a priority.

North Korea must keep in mind that it is beseeching us for this aid; we do not owe it. We have no humanitarian obligations to a country that would choose its own military practices above securing food for its people.