The FARC is one of the best-armed guerrilla organisations in the world. It was recently at the centre of political events in Colombia when President Alvaro Uribe decided to release guerrillas held prisoner unilaterally. This was intended to open the way for dialogue that could lead to a humanitarian exchange with the group of 57 hostages held by the FARC, which includes former presidential candidate Ingrid Bétancourt.

Despite UN Security Council Resolution 1718 of 15 October 2006 establishing an embargo on certain sensitive materials which was adopted a few days after its first nuclear test, the Popular Democratic Republic of Korea (PDRK) seems determined to pursue its nuclear weapons policy. It is betting that the international situation is favourable and allows it the political opportunity to develop a nuclear deterrent. The implication is not only that the regime of Kim Jong Il will then have a ‘sanctuary’, but that the strategic balance of the region will in time be liable to nuclear blackmail from North Korea.