blackascoal
The Force is With Me
Kim Jong Un’s overture could drive a wedge between South Korea and U.S.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s surprise call on Monday for direct talks with South Korea could drive a wedge into the decadesold alliance between Seoul and Washington, potentially creating a reprieve from months of tensions but also undercutting President Donald Trump’s tough approach to the nuclear-armed North.
A New Year’s Day speech by Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, contained a dramatic shift in tone and policy regarding the South. After ignoring South Korea for years, Kim called for urgent dialogue to discuss improving ties and easing military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula, even as he claimed an ability to strike the mainland United States with nuclear missiles.
Kim also agreed to a request by President Moon Jae In of South Korea to send a North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea next month.
Kim’s about-face, which was broadcast on state-run television, came just days after Washington rallied its allies and rivals to support increasingly punishing United Nations sanctions against North Korea.
Analysts said Kim was looking for opportunities to weaken international resolve to enforce the penalties, as well as to sow discord between the United States and South Korea.
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Hours after Kim’s speech, Moon’s office welcomed the North’s proposal.
"We have already expressed our willingness to engage in a dialogue with North Korea at any time, in any place and in any format, as long as both sides can discuss restoring their relations and peace on the Korean peninsula," said Park Soo Hyun, Moon’s spokesman.
Trump, on the other hand, has stressed maximum pressure and sanctions, and even suggested possible military action to force the North to give up its nuclear arsenal.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/milita...-wedge-between-South-Korea-and-U-S-_164106900
Once again, the soft power of diplomacy trumps dick size .. pun intended.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s surprise call on Monday for direct talks with South Korea could drive a wedge into the decadesold alliance between Seoul and Washington, potentially creating a reprieve from months of tensions but also undercutting President Donald Trump’s tough approach to the nuclear-armed North.
A New Year’s Day speech by Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, contained a dramatic shift in tone and policy regarding the South. After ignoring South Korea for years, Kim called for urgent dialogue to discuss improving ties and easing military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula, even as he claimed an ability to strike the mainland United States with nuclear missiles.
Kim also agreed to a request by President Moon Jae In of South Korea to send a North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea next month.
Kim’s about-face, which was broadcast on state-run television, came just days after Washington rallied its allies and rivals to support increasingly punishing United Nations sanctions against North Korea.
Analysts said Kim was looking for opportunities to weaken international resolve to enforce the penalties, as well as to sow discord between the United States and South Korea.
---
Hours after Kim’s speech, Moon’s office welcomed the North’s proposal.
"We have already expressed our willingness to engage in a dialogue with North Korea at any time, in any place and in any format, as long as both sides can discuss restoring their relations and peace on the Korean peninsula," said Park Soo Hyun, Moon’s spokesman.
Trump, on the other hand, has stressed maximum pressure and sanctions, and even suggested possible military action to force the North to give up its nuclear arsenal.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/milita...-wedge-between-South-Korea-and-U-S-_164106900
Once again, the soft power of diplomacy trumps dick size .. pun intended.
