The deadly use of a chemical weapon banned by international conventions in such a public manner could strengthen calls for the United States to put North Korea back on a list of terrorism-sponsoring countries, analysts said. This scenario raises the possibility that Mr. Kim could have saved his own life by immediately washing his face rather than going to airport staff members, as he did, to report the attack. PhotoProfessor Narang said it was clear that North Korea wanted the West to know what it is capable of — but without causing mass casualties. Shipments of gas masks, gas detectors and other protective gear bound for Syria from North Korea were intercepted in 2009 and 2013. China has been the most vocal proponent of new negotiations, but its relations with North Korea have deteriorated sharply.

Source: New York Times February 24, 2017 15:26 UTC