Much better than the alternative

I don't trust North Korea's leaders any further than I can throw them, but it's nonetheless a hopeful sign that they promised today to give up their nuclear weapons program in exchange for energy assistance and mutual pledges of security and better relations. If everyone sticks to the agreement, the Pacific Rim will be a much safer place, and living conditions could improve considerably for everyday North Koreans.

A successful deal also would be a huge victory for the increasingly unpopular Bush administration, which badly needs something good to happen these days, and the other participants in the six-party talks. Still, the proof will be in the execution.