North Korea's artillery attack on a South Korean island yesterday morning remains somewhat of a mystery, but many have guesses as to rationales for the attack. North Korea says the South started it by firing recklessly into North Korean territory, which the South denies. Some say North Korea did it to gain international attention because of their severe food shortages. And others, like Charles Armstrong, director of the Center for Korean Research at Columbia University, believe they want to send a simple message: that they should be taken very seriously.

Reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has promoted his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, to the rank of general, just one day before a rare meeting of North Korea's ruling Workers Party. The move added to speculation that Kim Jong-un will take over for his ailing father in the future. 

North Korea has threatened to wage a "full-scale war" against South Korea after the country accused its northern neighbor of sinking a warship on March 26. The South Korean government says it has forensic evidence that North Korea sank one of its warships, killing 46 sailors, but North Korea denies the charges and says the formal accusations could escalate tensions. The country has also threatened to engage in military action if South Korea implements punishments.

Bill Clinton’s brief trip to Pyongyang secured the freedom of two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who were imprisoned in North Korea. But what does the visit between Clinton and the elusive Kim Jong Il say about the future of U.S.- North Korean relations? The Takeaway's guest, Professor Charles Armstrong, is Director of the Center for Korean Research at Columbia University. He explains how the former president's visit could help break through the diplomatic log jam.