ENGLISH WORDS
After the sanctions: on North Korea –
The fresh round of economic sanctions imposed unanimously by the UN Security Council on North Korea is a predictable response to mounting international frustration over the nuclear stand-off. The measures come days after the U.S., echoing suspicions in other countries, charged the North Korean government with the world-wide ‘WannaCry’ cyberattacks in May. The sanctions include an 89% curb on refined petroleum imports into North Korea, stringent inspections of ships transferring fuel to the country, and the expulsion of thousands of North Koreans in other countries (who send home crucial hard currency) within two years. Despite the crippling nature of the curbs, there is some good news on this imbroglio. As on previous occasions, Beijing and Moscow were able to impress upon the Security Council the potentially destabilising and hence counterproductive impact of extreme measures. This is significant given the intercontinental ballistic missile that Pyongyang launched in November. It was described by U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis as technically more sophisticated than anything witnessed previously, and the North Korean regime’s claim that it could deliver nuclear warheads anywhere in North America has been viewed with concern. However, even as China and Russia approved the latest measures, they continued to state their preference for diplomatic engagement. It remains to be seen how much more pressure Beijing can exert upon Pyongyang. The stated aim of the sanctions regime has been to force North Korea to halt its nuclear programme and start disarmamentnegotiations. In September, North Korea detonated its sixth underground nuclear device, which it claimed was a hydrogen bomb. That assertion remains unverified, but experts believe the explosion was many times more powerful than previous detonations. The development has served as a reminder to the U.S. that the scope for military options may be increasingly narrowing. Against this backdrop, a revival of stalled peace negotiations between the P-5 nations and North Korea may be the only realistic alternative on the horizon. The successful conclusion of the 2015 civilian nuclear agreement between the P-5 plus Germany and Iran affords a constructive template to move ahead with North Korea. Certainly, U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a scathing blow to the Iran deal, even as he stopped short of scrapping it. Iran’s continued compliance with the inspections of the International Atomic Energy Agency may not mean much to Mr. Trump, given his overall distrust of multilateral institutions. But that is no reason why other big powers should not pursue the diplomatic effort with redoubled energy. Countries that backed the recently adopted UN nuclear weapons abolition pact should likewise lobby Pyongyang.
Unanimously
Meaning: Without opposition; with the agreement of all people involved.
Example: “A committee of MPs has unanimously agreed to back his bill”
1) Mounting
Meaning: Grow larger or more numerous.
Example: “The costs mount up when you buy a home”
Synonyms: Increase, Grow
Antonyms: Decrease, Diminish
2) Frustration
Meaning: The feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something.
Example: “Tears of frustration rolled down her cheeks”
Synonyms: Exasperation, Annoyance
Antonyms: Satisfaction
3) Suspicions
Meaning: A feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true.
Example: “She had a sneaking suspicion that he was laughing at her”
Synonyms: Intuition, Feeling
Antonyms: Certainty
4) Crippling
Meaning: Cause a severe and almost insuperable problem for.
Example: “Developing countries are crippled by their debts”
Synonyms: Ruin, destroy
Antonyms: Boost
5) Imbroglio
Meaning: An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.
Example:”The abdication imbroglio of 1936″
Synonyms: Complicated situation, Complication
6) Sophisticated
Meaning: Having, revealing, or involving a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture.
Example: “A chic, sophisticated woman”
Synonyms: Worldly, Worldly-wise
Antonyms: Naive, Unsophisticated
7) Concern
Meaning: Make (someone) anxious or worried.
Example: “The roof of the barn concerns me because eventually it will fall in”
Synonyms: Worry, Disturb
8) Exert
Meaning: Apply or bring to bear (a force, influence, or quality).
Example: “The moon exerts a force on the Earth”
Synonyms: Bring to bear, apply
9) Disarmament
Meaning: The reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons.
Example: “The public wanted peace and disarmament”
Synonyms: Demilitarization, Demobilization
10) Detonated
Meaning: Explode or cause to explode.
Example: “Two other bombs failed to detonate”
Synonyms: Explode, Go off
11) Negotiations
Meaning: Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.
Example: “A worldwide ban is currently under negotiation”
Synonyms: Conference, Debate
12) Affords
Meaning: To be able to buy or do something because you have enough money or time.
Example: I don’t know how he can afford a new car on his salary.
13) Scathing
Meaning: Witheringly scornful; severely critical.
Example: “She launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister”
Synonyms: Devastating, Withering
Antonyms: Mild, Gentle
14) scrapping
Meaning: Abolish or cancel (a plan, policy, or law).
Example:”He supports the idea that road tax should be scrapped”
Synonyms: Abandon, Drop
Antonyms: Keep, Restore
15) abolition
Meaning: The action of abolishing a system, practice, or institution.
Example: “The abolition of the death penalty”
Synonyms: Scrapping, Ending
Antonyms: Retention, Creation
16) Lobby
Meaning: A group of people seeking to influence legislators on a particular issue.
Example: “Members of the anti-abortion lobby”
Synonyms: Pressure group, Interest group
