Winter is on it’s way and every time North Korea gets low on fuel coal food they play it’s game for a pay off looks like the game is over and about time.
As I see it, the problem is that N Korea can sell the nukes to Boco Haram, Isis, Al Qaida and of others. They just want the money and the prestige.
If President Trump actually does make a deal that resolves the situation, you can bet the MSM will spin it as selling out to NK.
Its hardly a leak since everyone except the media knows this is how things work. Probably intentionally released info to shift the focus back to negotiation.
I am certain that North Korea is “negotiating” in a “back channel” the same way Japan was in December 1941.
The dictators have too much invested, in every sphere of life in North Korea, with the ethos of the dictatorship and what it means. Going quietly into a bright economic future at peace with an independent South Korea are NOT any part of that ethos. And taking that route will cause fissures, socially, among a population who would come to realize all they have been indoctrinated with was lies. Positive change will not be as it was for China, it will be the death of the dictatorship from within, and the current dictator understands that.
All North Korea is “negotiating” for is one thing - stalling.
Just invite Kimmy over for dinner...