Canals of Mass Destruction

North Korea made waves yet again earlier this week when a North Korean Tanker; the Chong Chon Gang was seized and searched by Panamanian authorities. A search which revealed 25 crates filled with Soviet era weaponry. This discovery shows, quite unsurprisingly, that there are countries out there willing to deal with the Hermit Kingdom and that if it weren't for the risk taken by the guards along the Panama canal, this shipment WOULD have reached it's destination. Now officials around the world have been putting pressure on the UN to evoke some form of punishment towards Cuba for ignoring the international embargo on weaponry sent to North Korea and have been quoted as stating "Failure to hold the Cuban government fully responsible will be a slap in the face to our allies" and many have applauded the Panamanian authorities for their initiative in boarding and searching the North Korean tanker. I believe that this search was definitely merited due to the strained relations between Cube and the US as well as the US' relationship with North Korea. Unfortunately the larger issue raised here is that there has more than likely been continued arms deals for years and it will likely continue for years to come. However, I expect that due to the interception of this particular shipment, trades involving arms will probably fall between Cuba and North Korea and hopefully other countries will see Cuba being punished for this breach to international law and will take the hint that these laws are serious and not to be ignored.  Unsurprisingly, North Korea has refused to admit they have done anything wrong and have demanded the return of the ship, crew and its cargo.