The damning silence over North Korea

Two boats. Two different continents.

Both have received loss of life and calls for action through the UN have been heard. Yet it is curious one receives more attention than the other. Even more so when you consider that the loudest calls are heard over the boat with the least amount of dead.

But of course, one involves Israel and the other the frozen conflict on the Korean peninsula.

An independent investigation has concluded that North Korea deliberately sank a South Korean vessel. 45 sailors died. Yet a near silence descended from all the major capitals of the world. With the exception of, South Korea, obviously, and their ally the USA. But the most interesting statement came from Beijing. They incredulously, and with a straight face, called for an 'independent' investigation, as if that is not what had already happened.

Compare this to the Israeli attack on the convoy headed for the Gaza strip. The usual suspects have all been lining up to condemn Israel. It is this columns solemn view that North Korea's crime has been far worse than the allegations against Israel. Especially considering that all the facts about the Gaza convoy incident have not come in.

Shame on those that wish to condemn Israel, but are not at least equally angry with the greater loss of life at the hand of the North Koreans.