Re:North Korea–Good Theater, Bad Diplomacy

The Bush Administration’s policy toward North Korea has so far failed for one very basic reason: it does not have one. Instead of dealing with the weapons of mass destruction that President Bush knew existed in North Korea, he launched a preemptive war in Iraq – a country that he only thought had these weapons. For the last six years, the Administration has resorted to name calling with North Korea and has not devoted the time or muscle necessary to make the six-party talks effective. While the Administration’s rhetoric may make for good political theater, it does not lead to successful diplomacy. Whether it’s his policy toward Iraq, Iran, or North Korea, the President’s approach to diplomacy is clearly wanting. It is time for the Bush Administration to do more than swagger.