In the transition from an old dictator to a new one, some observers were losing faith in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, believing it had lost its magic touch in the arts of dissembling. Others had deeper faith, though, and they were rewarded last week when the State Department proudly announced the umpteenth breakthrough toward the goal of denuclearizing North Korea.

Cutting funding to organizations that oversee food safety and drug approval would have a counterproductive impact.

Our one-time giving of aid will eventually be forgotten. The United Statesneeds long-term programs that will improve our international image.

The European Union boycott of Mugabemight work better if the United Nations did not help the Zimbabwean leader flout it.

The time for the "quiet diplomacy" of the West and South Africa has come and gone. Action is required in this outpost of tyranny.

Somali pirates have evolved from a small group of bandits into a sophisticated global organization with hijackers, investors, guards, professional negotiators and money laundering agents working in tandem. This efficiency has made it very difficult to counter the threat of piracy but targeting financers and negotiators is part of a more proactive strategy being adopted by the United States.

Obama can follow the long tradition of U.S. presidents who turned from frustration at home to success abroad by resolving to conclude the World Trade Organization's Doha Round of global talks next year.

The House Republican Study Committee presents four ineffective ideas for the budget and cuts.