At first, the United States' pursuit of missile defences caused offence all round.

ECONOMIST: Bush??s nuclear umbrella

By dignifying this absurd proposition -- even before the end of the Cold War made such fears preposterous, the idea was inconceivable -- the Clinton-Gore team is only reinforcing the Kremlin's propaganda line that nuclear war will be made more imminent by our pursuit of protection against missile attack.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

If North Korea gives up its pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile development, and instead chooses a path towards peace and cooperation, our two countries will work together, along with the international community, to help improve the lives of the people in North Korea and provide necessary assistance that will help North Korea open up a new era.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and President Lee Hold a News Conference