What should US do about North Korea?

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/04/23/what_should_us_do_about_north_korea/

<snip>As leader of this isolated nation in question, you can:

1. Give up your nuclear program and hope that the president who despises you lets you stay in office.

2. Sit by quietly while the president polishes off Saddam Hussein in Iraq and turns his attention to the ''totalitarian" regime in Iran, knowing that when he's done in the Gulf, he'll likely come after you as the last standing member of the axis.

3. Unfreeze your nuclear program, build as many nuclear weapons as quickly as possible, and try to hold off what looks like a near certain attempt to force your country's collapse.

If you're sitting in Pyongyang, the choice isn't very difficult. Kim may be ruthless and immoral, but he is not stupid. He has acted as any leader would to ensure his and his nation's survival.

So where do we go from here? Attacking North Korea militarily isn't an option. We don't know where all of its nuclear installations and material are located. A military strike would also likely start a war in a region that is home to 80,000 to 90,000 US troops. It would further rupture vital alliances, particularly with China and South Korea, our third and seventh largest trading partners. Continued...

[Career Prole]

1. Good article.

Seems to me, the answer should always start with talk. Simple talk.

Shit-can the threats, treat everyone like grown-ups, show a little respect.

Most importantly, don't choose assholes like shrub and Bolton to do this job. They are completely unsuited to the task.

[Toots]

2. So where do we go from here?

My Advice would be to start Trade negotiations. Lay off the stick and get real heavy handed with the carrot..