The Journal-World headline read: “N. Korea accord has some doubters.” Those who are so cautious about the recent agreement to pare back North Korea’s nuclear program are headed down the right path. In America’s effort to appear open-minded and fair during the negotiations, it needs to be careful to prevent the petulant Kim Jong Il from getting far more concessions than he deserves.

Four months ago, North Korea took the bold step of testing a nuclear device. Now, after pressure from a number of sources, North Korea says it will close its main nuclear reactor in exchange for $400 million in aid – oil, food and a number of items. What about the country’s other nuclear facilities, weapons and atomic fuel stockpiles?

The deal does not immediately require leader Kim to give up any existing nuclear bombs but lays out a first deadline for key steps toward disarmament and normalized diplomatic relations.

Is this a reasonable agreement or is it lopsided compensation for a tantrum-throwing bully who has people terrified at what he might do with his failing country’s resources? Are the United States and its allies so frantic to get any kind of accord with Kim that they are giving him far more than he merits? The United States in particular is so sensitive about how its international actions are perceived that it risks leaping before it looks closely.

Little wonder there are doubters, and their views should be openly aired. For all his posturing and threats concerning the development and use of nuclear commodities, Kim is desperate for any kind of help his country can receive.

Let’s be sure we don’t go overboard in fattening Kim’s greed for oil, food and other types of assistance to prevent further disaster in North Korea. Let’s not be so frightened of his weaponry potential – and zealous about looking “negotiable” – that we get deceived into giving too much. That would leave Kim emboldened to plot a new shakedown.