billvon 3,111 #1 August 2, 2003 After taking something of a hiatus from diplomacy, it's good to see our administration making the effort to get North Korea to the bargaining table. Diplomacy is often a lot tougher (and a lot less glamorous) than war, but can yield better results without the horrendous side effects. Good job on a tough issue. I hope this is the first step in a disarmament agreement that both North Korea and their neighbors can live with. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickDraw 0 #2 August 2, 2003 ...Next...*Ding* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3115623.stm -- Hope you don't die. -- I'm fucking winning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #3 August 2, 2003 very much agreed! -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kmcguffee 0 #4 August 2, 2003 China has the US in its cross hairs. They are determined to be the next super power. We can keep the North Korea issue cool with diplomacy because China won't let them get too wild. Our big opportunity right now is with Iran. They have a revisionist president, Kherzai I believe, who wants to re-engage the West. He is being stopped by their religious leader, Khomeini, who says re-engagement would be defeat. Now the younger generation is rising up against the religious caste. Improving relations with Iran isn't something that can be done in the next two to three years but, five to ten years down the road, maybe. After my recent two week journey through Europe and Asia I was completely amazed at how anti-US the BBC is. I didn't hear one positive comment about the US from them. There was one positive story about the UK's handling of a criminal investigation where the BBC intentionally left out the US's contribution to solving it. It is like they are intentionally trying to turn world opinion against the US. Have they got an agenda or did we piss in their Wheaties? Now I'm not so suprised that many former BBC journalists work with Al Jazeera. Anyway, just an observation. "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #5 August 2, 2003 I agree. The only way for all the issues to be addressed is to ensure engagement, at a minimum by Japan and ROK also. However, I have grown tired of the rhetoric from DPRK such as: Quote(AP)SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea on Saturday warned that any moves to discuss its suspected nuclear weapons programs at the United Nations (search) would "hamstring" efforts for dialogue and be a "prelude to war." The warning came a day after the communist country agreed to multilateral talks over the nuclear standoff. North Korea (search), fearful the United Nations may impose economic sanctions, has accused the world body of siding with the United States. "The U.S. intention to bring up the nuclear issue ... at the U.N. at any cost is a grave criminal act to hamstring" North Korea's efforts at opening a dialogue, the official KCNA news agency said. "Any move to discuss the nuclear issue at the U.N. Security Council (search) is little short of a prelude to a war," it said, reiterating past comments. link here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,93599,00.html If there is going to be any long term peaceful solution to this issue, I believe the key lies with China putting the strangle hold on DPRK. Anything short of that, and it's not containable. PRC thinks it's about Taiwan, ROK thinks it's about the US, Japan just wants everyone to behave because their doctrine is to ensure its own safety, which it may not do by itself if PRC wakes up on the wrong side of the bed when DPRK finally snaps. Just two cents...So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #6 August 4, 2003 Tough issue is right. The DPRK is run by a nutcase. Completely different paradigm than Iraq. I'm not sure what the final outcome will be or what tactic we should take. I begin to taste bile when the extortion option rears its ugly head - heating oil/food for no further nukes. Because we sure as hell can't trust these people given their track record, I'm against sending them ANYTHING funded by US taxpayers as part of some extortionist scheme. I think Gawain has a good point with Iran - the President's name is actualy Khatami I think. Very pro-engagement with the West, as are the majority of the people there. Hopefully the mullahs will lose their power and a peaceful, reasonable nation will emerge. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
downwardspiral 0 #7 August 4, 2003 I'm sorry to say that World War III has already begun.www.FourWheelerHB.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #8 August 4, 2003 QuoteI'm sorry to say that World War III has already begun. From more than one perspective, you are correct, unfortunately. So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallRate 0 #9 August 4, 2003 QuoteI'm sorry to say that World War III has already begun. Not to worry. The third time is the charm. FallRate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #10 August 6, 2003 There is no reserve on this ride."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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