PD, i agree that the "axis of evil" remark may have been unneccessary. possibly. The USSR was labeled an "Evil Empire" by Reagan and i think we all know what followed.... and the world was a better place for it.
Iraq was labeled as being part of the Axis of Evil and Iraqis are now rejoicing at the collapse of Saddams government today.
you are saying that diplomacy should be tried. I agree that is a logical course. but i also think that diplomacy has failed. Richard Butler had meeting with them just a couple months ago. How do you have a diplomatic relationship who is saying "you will all die in a sea of fire"?
Clinton wanted to bomb the same reactor for the same reasons... diplomacy was a waste of time and they knew that N. Korea would not honor any agreement - which proved to be 100% correct.
I am not sure its fair to characterize Chinas reaction or non-reaction. I could also say its because their economy is more dependent on their Most Favored Nation Trading status and WTO membership and they have no intention of rocking that boat.
i think this is a flawed idea:
Quote:
|
You asked me what I'd do - I'd talk to them without preconditions, one on one if that's what they want. I'd do at least that much to get them willing to participate in a genuine regional solution. I wouldn't capitulate - they would have to jump through a lot more hoops than last time to get what they want, and I'm not sure that it would be any more successful than it was last time.
|
talking to them is fine i think. without preconditions even.
BUT how could you base a strategy in dealing with them on making demands and enforcing them when they have been pretty clear that even so much as reduce aid, it will be a declaration of war against them? these are people saying they are going to kill all of us and you are going to make demands.
what information has suggested that we have any leverage over them whatsoever to modify their behavior?
My opinion is that their tactics are pretty straight forward and consistent with everything they have done in the past. they are using threats to get attention, create the "problem" and are hoping that in the end, the world will give in and meet their demands.