An Aggrandizing Relationship (hopefully)
In light of the 6200 tons of fuel oil North Korea has shutdown its primary nuclear reactor in Yongbyon, a move confirmed by Elbaradei’s IAEA. This brings the Bush Administration into a comparable position that Clinton held in 1994 — where NK went rogue in investing in an uranium enrichment program pioneered by Pakistan’s top nuclear scientists. So, what’s next? What’s different about the current situation than the previous one in 94′?
I see several factors which could prove the viability of peaceful diplomacy and the possibility of real and final peace on the Korean Peninsula. For starters, the United States in a very different position on the international geopolitical scale now than it was in 1994, which puts much more stress on policy makers to push for peace and concessions because of the overstretch of our military forces and the irritability of the American public towards confrontations. Secondly, NK is hurting for vital supplies such as food and energy (primarily oil), so much to the point that NK’s military leadership has reportedly called for “peace” talks with America, presumingly to discuss a possible peace accord. Lastly, it seems that more than just America and small interest groups are taking a serious look into NK as a legitimate nation. The Council on Foreign Relations reported that The Wall Street Journal profiles one Egyptian businessman who is investing $115 million in a North Korean cement plant, one of the largest infusions of foreign investment the country has ever received. To top that it is reported that South Korea on July 12 dispatched 6,200 tons of fuel aid to its northern neighbor (CFR). When countries believe, they invest and aid.
I say its about time the Hawk lobbist take a back seat for awhile and let the doves take an aerial reconnaissance to scope the area for potential aggrandizement of friendly relations. The maxim of diplomacy, whether power or idealistic, points to a more peaceful relationship between the United States and North Korea, Bush willing.
Man I hate the accepted metaphors of “hawks” and “doves.” Doves are so dumb. Who wants to be one of those? And hawks are so cool… But anyway…
Perhaps another key difference is that this time, NK has the experience of already researched uranium enrichment to the point of creating and testing a warhead. It didn’t work out all that well and NK probably learned that viable nuclear weapons are a little beyond their reach for now. I don’t know; this is pure conjecture, but it could be playing a part in their decision-making.
IHT has said that the deal the Bush administration struck with NK is almost the identical deal that was struck by Clinton in 94. Remember the condemnation that the Bush administration has heaped on that plan? Condi said Clinton sold us out and hear she is getting the same deal. Several administration officials have resigned because of the deal. I think that this is one accomplishment that Bush has made that is actually a good thing. Congrats, W.
Ok David, let’s throw out the old metaphorical system. What name will indicate the difference between ferocious warmongers and tree-hugging peace feelers?
Did it dawn on anyone else that we could potentially see the withdrawal of the 30,000 American troops from the peninsula? I mean, a peace deal officially ending the Korean war, albeit more sentimental and symbolic than realistically significant, is still a pretty big deal to me.
You can’t just up and change metaphors like this. It is just unfortunate that the conotations line up the way they do. And you’re right – withdrawing US troops from South Korea permanantly would be a great thing for everybody.
I just hope that the Bush administration, along with many other countries, can keep the peaceful negotiations going and refrain from harsh ultimatums and other cowboy talk. The time for cowboy diplomacy is over (thank you Iraq) and now we realize that we may have to use our brains with our foreign policy. If North Korea will cooperate with the rest of the world step-by-step, they will see unprecedented growth in their stifled economy. I would love to see that happen.