The world watched as North Koreans wept openly for their defunct 'beloved' leader Kim Jong-il, who died on December 17. Mourners lined the snowbound streets of Pyongyang and high ranking army officials praised Kim Jong-il's “selfless and tireless dedication to the nation” during two-day funerals that started yesterday (December 28). The point was reiterated again and again as a stream of black American and German limousines drove slowly through the North Korean capital's streets, accompanying the leader's coffin. Analysts believe that North Korea is within two years of nuclear missile capability and their overall tone suggests that the country will keep to its hardline militaristic policy.

Kim Jong-il, carried to his final resting place in a Lincoln, did little to heal relations with the rest of the world. At the moment at least, the country's isolationist policy looks set to continue. State television is grooming Kim Jong-un, the former leader's youngest son, as successor to supreme power, but there is a palpable sense of fear as the world waits to see what happens following Kim Jong-il's funeral.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com