Wall Street Journal (May 22)
The U.S. and other allies have worked to engage Kim Jong II, “albeit with decent intervals between his serial outrages.” The unprovoked sinking of the South Korean warship reveals “how little interest Kim has in any kind of peace.” Going forward, the allies should recognize that North Korea will cheat on any agreement. Instead of negotiating and engaging, North Korea should be cut off, isolated and officially recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism. This rogue state status should not change until the regime collapses. “North Korea won’t change until Kim dies or his regime falls. The goal of the West should be to increase pressure on the North toward the latter goal.”
The U.S. and other allies have worked to engage Kim Jong II, “albeit with decent intervals between his serial outrages.” The unprovoked sinking of the South Korean warship reveals “how little interest Kim has in any kind of peace.” Going forward, the allies should recognize that North Korea will cheat on any agreement. Instead of negotiating and engaging, North Korea should be cut off, isolated and officially recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism. This rogue state status should not change until the regime collapses. “North Korea won’t change until Kim dies or his regime falls. The goal of the West should be to increase pressure on the North toward the latter goal.”
Tags: Kim Jong II, North Korea, South Korea, U.S.
