It's now clear that North Korea remains firmly resolute on pursuing a dangerous mission, even after nearly ten years of suffering the world's disapproval on tests like this and on its human rights record. Yet, sanctions continue. The Obama Administration has issued newer, tougher sanctions, some of which have been approved by the U.N. Security Council.

Supporters of sanctions hold onto the conviction that there's a "tipping point" for the North Korean government. When that tipping point is reached, they'll be forced to negotiate with the U.N.

Nonetheless, there is no evidence which even hints North Korea will ever fold along these lines. The U.N. sanctions are a response to an entire decade of ongoing nuclear tests, starting in 2006. Both financial and humanitarian aid have been severely reduced but so far a satisfactory response has eluded those who imposed these sanctions.