Good moves with 북한

The North Korea negotiations are progressing well so far. How can you tell? For one, because both the U.S. and North Korea are speaking politely to each other.

The N.K. rep says that banning nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula was the "fundamental thing'' at the negotiations, and he promised his delegation would work toward that goal. "We are fully ready and prepared for that,'' he said. The main U.S. envoy reassured Pyongyang that Washington recognized its sovereignty, saying "We view sovereignty as a matter of fact. The United States has absolutely no intention to invade or attack'' North Korea. Source

They're actually addressing each other's concerns! Plus, they're taking the perspective that the situation is the problem, and that the other party is a partner in its solution. As Richard Saccone explained in his book (shown above), that's key. Negotiations with the North have a much better chance at succeeding when they're approached this way; conversely, they fail when they're combative.

This isn't anything new -- we've been dealing with the North for about 55 years now, though our leaders have had a hard time maintaining consistency because during that period we've over ten presidencies. The North, on the other hand, has kept a very simple power structure. They've had only two leaders, and "public opinion" doesn't count. No big mystery -- you'd think the policy makers would have left notes around or something.

At any rate, I have high expectations for this round, in part because all Bush has to give is diplomatic recognition and a promise not to invade, two de facto realities that cost him nothing anyway. South Korea has picked up the U.S.'s dropped 1994 pledge to provide alternatives to nuclear energy, so I don't see what Bush has to gripe about now. (The present situation developed because of his repudiation of that Clinton-era agreement).

So unless Bush decides he'll wait for the North to 1.) Better it human rights record AND 2.) Destroy its nukes, we've got a bright future. Let's hope he doesn't wait until the midterm elections to make himself look good.