<p><i>North Korea’s nuclear
programme remains a key foreign policy challenge for United States. After its
first nuclear test in 2006, Pyongyang has made an impressive progress in developing
a credible nuclear deterrent through series of nuclear and missile tests. The diplomatic
efforts to dissuade North Korea’s nuclear ambitions have not yielded positive
results so far, as Pyongyang has not only developed a credible deterrent but continues
to expand and strengthen it. The failure of Hanoi Summit, latest in the series
of diplomatic initiatives to end the series has depended pessimism regarding
future negations. Experts are skeptical about finding a diplomatic solution to
the crises and the demand to explore other alternatives <sup>_____</sup>
limited surgical strike, regime change, treating North Korea as de-facto
nuclear weapon state <sup>_____</sup> to end the crises has intensified in
recent years. However, dealing with the threat though these tools is highly
risky and diplomatic outreach is the most preferred course to end the crises.</i></p>
