Stay the Course in North Korea
The on-again, off-again talks on North Korea and its nuclear program can fluster even the most experienced of negotiators. The Obama administration must re-affirm America's commitment to the framework established by the six-party talks, while building a strong team of experienced Korea hands to push the agenda forward.
NEW YORK – Barack Obama’s election was historic on many levels. Between now and his inauguration on January 20, he will need to hone his policies.
Much of the early focus of the Obama administration will undoubtedly be on the economy and the war in Iraq. But it is critically important that the new administration pay serious attention to other foreign-policy issues right from the start. American relations with North Korea, and the ongoing six-party talks, certainly belong at the top of the list. Here, the United States must not only stay the course, but also build on the efforts of the last few years.
The risks of changing course cannot be overstated. Not long after President George W. Bush came into office, his administration took a hard-line stance against the North Korean regime, calling for a review of the Clinton administration’s policy, and eventually tagging North Korea as a member of the “axis of evil.” While North Korea had done much over the preceding years to warrant a more critical eye, in retrospect these policies set back prospects for peace and stability in the region.
NEW YORK – Barack Obama’s election was historic on many levels. Between now and his inauguration on January 20, he will need to hone his policies.
Much of the early focus of the Obama administration will undoubtedly be on the economy and the war in Iraq. But it is critically important that the new administration pay serious attention to other foreign-policy issues right from the start. American relations with North Korea, and the ongoing six-party talks, certainly belong at the top of the list. Here, the United States must not only stay the course, but also build on the efforts of the last few years.
The risks of changing course cannot be overstated. Not long after President George W. Bush came into office, his administration took a hard-line stance against the North Korean regime, calling for a review of the Clinton administration’s policy, and eventually tagging North Korea as a member of the “axis of evil.” While North Korea had done much over the preceding years to warrant a more critical eye, in retrospect these policies set back prospects for peace and stability in the region.