If we support them (with peanuts) they will exploit the supports - that’s nothing new.
I guess that’s a good way to create some traffic and exchange with that country.
It’s got to get into the heads of every north korean that there’s alternatives in lifestyle.
They do not want things to go into N. Korea via non-governmental channels. These days they are clamping down any commercial traffic which existed across Sino-N. Korean border. They also spurn any aid with thorough monitoring.
They only want to do things their way. Does not matter if ordinary N. Koreans die in large numbers. Actually they are taking their population hostage in order to exact no-strings-attached aids from outside. They are exploiting our concern and good will.
N. Korea is not DDR. The country is no different from Soviet Union in 1930's. You don't expect this regime to loosen its grip.
State control in N. Korea was only loosened because people starved to death en masse in 90's and the regime cannot feed its population, and let them fend for themselves. It allowed rudimentary commerce and market to sprout, and cross-border trade among Chinese and N. Koreans grew. Along with basic necessities, came S. Korean videos, movies, and cell phones.
The moment N. Korean regime feel that it has enough to last for a while, it will reimpose state control. That is pretty much what is happening now. The regime started to crack down on markets, prohibit people from doing any kind of business, trying to reinstate ration, and restrict the movement of population back to the level of old days.
If you want the regime to relent its grip, we have to make them feel the pressure. Not the complete shutdown but surely tightening the flow.
Kim Jong-il is playing the game of calculated brutality. He is like Hitler who boasted that the West cannot stomach the brutality he is willing to unleash.