04-21-2018, 02:14 PM
The decision to halt missile tests is aimed at pursuing economic growth, according to KCNA (state-owned N. Korean media). Mr Kim reportedly pledged to "concentrate all efforts" on developing a socialist economy, which requires foreign investment.
One may wonder why Mr Kim should give up so much in advance instead of hanging on to a nuclear test-ban and an ICBM moratorium as aces up his sleeve.
The answer is simple: a summit with a US president is enough of a prize in itself -- it affords Kim the international legitimization he longs and is something that neither his grandfather nor his father could attain.
What North Korea loses by demolishing its nuclear test site and submitting to a unilateral moratorium on ICBM launches is entirely tolerable compared with what Mr Kim gains by sitting alongside President Trump.
Advisors from the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations warn that the U.S. needs to be careful not to be conned by the Kim dynasty. They've invited previous U.S. presidents for summits which never happened because it was determined in advance that the Kims were only looking for worldwide recognition with no intention of entering nuclear disarmament agreements.
I hope there is reason for cautious optimism here, for the good of South Korea and North Korean citizens primarily. If North Korea will agree to give up nuclear proliferation permanently or for a long period of time, with regular verifications -- like Iran agreed to do during the Obama administration -- it will be a win for the U.S. and our allies. If not, it may well be perceived globally as a case of Rocket Man getting the best of Dotard.
Refs:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43849516
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/09/politics/...index.html
One may wonder why Mr Kim should give up so much in advance instead of hanging on to a nuclear test-ban and an ICBM moratorium as aces up his sleeve.
The answer is simple: a summit with a US president is enough of a prize in itself -- it affords Kim the international legitimization he longs and is something that neither his grandfather nor his father could attain.
What North Korea loses by demolishing its nuclear test site and submitting to a unilateral moratorium on ICBM launches is entirely tolerable compared with what Mr Kim gains by sitting alongside President Trump.
Advisors from the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations warn that the U.S. needs to be careful not to be conned by the Kim dynasty. They've invited previous U.S. presidents for summits which never happened because it was determined in advance that the Kims were only looking for worldwide recognition with no intention of entering nuclear disarmament agreements.
I hope there is reason for cautious optimism here, for the good of South Korea and North Korean citizens primarily. If North Korea will agree to give up nuclear proliferation permanently or for a long period of time, with regular verifications -- like Iran agreed to do during the Obama administration -- it will be a win for the U.S. and our allies. If not, it may well be perceived globally as a case of Rocket Man getting the best of Dotard.
Refs:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43849516
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/09/politics/...index.html