"Salvaging Our North Korea Policy" (Critiques Failed BUSH Admin. Approach) - JOHN BOLTON

Wall Street Journal ^ | 17 March 2008 | John R. Bolton

[AmericanInTokyo]

Salvaging Our North Korea Policy.... By JOHN R. BOLTON There are signs, albeit small ones, that the Bush administration may be reaching the end of its patience with the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program. These signs could prove illusory. But as it nears its end, the administration has a serious responsibility: It must not leave its successor with an ongoing, failed policy. At a minimum, President Bush should not bequeath to the next president only the burned-out hulk of the Six-Party Talks, and countless failed and violated North Korean commitments. Since they were conceived in spring 2003, the Six-Party Talks have stumbled around inconclusively. And for the last 13 months, Pyongyang has ignored, stalled, renegotiated and violated the Feb. 13, 2007 agreement.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Excellent. Simply excellent.

As always.

As expected.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Ping!

[AmericanInTokyo]

Ping for you, too.

[lonestar67]

Bolton as secretary of state would be an incredible hope for the World.

[rockinqsranch]

McCain if we must, but certainly Veep Bolton ‘08.

[Clintonfatigued]

He did a good job before he left, that’s for sure.

[AmericanInTokyo]

McCain would never have the ==== to choose him. We can dream, though.

I suspect he will stay in the conservative D.C. think tank, continuing to battle the follow-on North Korea Appeasement of President Obama, President Clinton or President McCain come next year.

I do wish him the best and would have indeed enjoyed him as Secretary of State, to clean that rat's nest out (but that chance went out with the failed campaigns of Hunter, Thompson, Tancredo and maybe Romney).

As it is, State will continue to fester and one my least favorite government agencies, regardless who is sworn in next year.

[AmericanInTokyo]

IF ONE READS THE FULL BOLTON ARTICLE HERE, ONE WILL GET A LOT OF WELL WRITTEN ANALYSIS [ON THE CLINTON/BUSH NORTH KOREAN FAILURES] WHICH IS TRULY "SPOT ON"!!

[AmericanInTokyo]

Ambassador Bolton's SOLUTIONS. (He is not just blowing steam):

- Declare North Korea's repeated refusal to honor its commitments, especially but not exclusively concerning full disclosure of its nuclear programs, unacceptable. - Suspend the Six-Party Talks, and reconvene talks without North Korea.

- Strengthen international pressure on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

- Squeeze North Korea economically. Return the regime to limbo outside the international financial system, and step up action against its other illicit activities, such as trafficking in illicit narcotics and counterfeiting U.S. money.

- Prepare contingency plans for humanitarian relief in the event of increased North Korean refugee flows or a regime collapse.

[Army Air Corps]

I want a window decal of Calvin peeing on the DoS...

[AmericanInTokyo]

I think we could make it. We just need the DOS logo. That would be fun. Yes indeed. It would not solve anything, but it would be good for some laughs.

[SevenofNine]

Yeah because reason why President Bush want legacy and Sunshine Condi Rice want to appease her boss

[SoCalPol]

More great words from John Bolton.
If only we had Bolton and a few dozen like him
in the State Dept.

[SoCalPol]

John Bolton ping

[Army Air Corps]

Well, the DoS logo uses the Great Seal, so that is out. On the other hand, go here for a laugh. The Name says it all.

[AmericanInTokyo]

More accurately, maybe Calvin should be whizzing on a photo of DOS headquarters in Northwest DC. That might be more appropriate.

[Army Air Corps]

I agree. Now, I have something to do for fun after I do my writing for the evening.

[HokieMom]

He gave a book tour talk in my neighborhood last week. Very policy-wonkish yet highly interesting. He never said anything against the Bush administration in the talk and did describe why he’s supporting Senator McCain. If his book tour takes him to your town, I recommend your attendance. Time well spent and now I have his autographed book as a gift to send to a family member in Iraq.

[Eagles6]

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