RBG, I agree that this article makes no sense. I’d ask the author: “And what will David Petraeus’ reward for all of the work you (the author) describe?”
Petraeus is a compromised tool. That is not conjecture, that is fact.
He was recorded in NYC just after the President was sworn in discussing some bizarre theories about NK and Syria. It was evident to members of law enforcement, intel community, others that follow events that Petraeus was on a mission to find a flash point.
The central question is what does the NK regime have to gain? The only thing is deterrence. If they ever attack, they will be completely wiped out, in less than 15 minutes according to General Mattis. So the only thing they have to gain is deterrence.
And why do they need that deterrence if they should adapt a policy of not threatening others? Why do they need deterrence? The answer put forward is that the only threat they face is an internal one because of the conditions inside.
Petraeus is looking for a flash point, any flash point. NK is looking for deterrence both outside and inside.
The only question that is not accurately aimed for answer is who is helping NK with this.
Now point out in the above what doesn’t make sense to you.