Fear and loathing in North Korea

We've all heard about the horrible living conditions in North Korea. Consider the following report:

Sometimes the weather is as cold as -20 Centigrade and many of our homes have no heat at all, says Kim Jae-rok, director of the government's energy ministry.

Most of the country lacks any heating or lighting, food is scarce, and the winters here are freezing. Kim Jae-rok, director of the government's energy ministry, admits that times are not just hard, they are desperate. Not only that, but most live in high-rise buildings and we lack the power to pump water up to those on above floors," he said.

Is this the North Korean version of "Baghdad Benevolence"?

So, what should the world's response be and who's responsible for these terrible conditions?

Thoughts and comments, anyone?

[Edited on 16-4-2003 by deepwaters]

Maybe they shouldn't have adopted Communism...as it has been proven ineffective, even in the nation that pretty much started it, and has since abandoned it...

Maybe they shouldn't have threatened the hand that was feeding it....

Kim acts like a small child, and should be punished as such...maybe then we can talk about more nation building...but we've got enough on our plate for now...

communism = single glazed windows

Come on guys!

The recent generations can't be held responsible for the BIG mistakes of the older guys!

Yes, Communisim didn't work...look what happened to Russia!

But if they can get the support from the other nations then North Korea can be better for everyone!

Anyway..aren't these the guys with the bombs?

Everyone learns from mistakes...lets hope that these guys will learn and change?