[SamAdams76]

I read differently. We do not WANT to annihilate N. Korea but we have many options to do so.

Of course we don't WANT to do it but may not have a choice in the matter.

[TroutGuy]

I read it as we won’t do anything militarily unless he actually attacks. In other words, we won’t do anything militarily while North Korea spends the coming years building up a huge nuclear arsenal.

So that’s that I suppose. Pretty disappointing- I would prefer we bite the bullet now and get rid of this regime, whatever the cost. But that doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

[zeebee]

Right. It’s the word “but” that’s the kicker.

[Williams]

Not what he said but ok.

[neverevergiveup]

In my opinion, the fact that there is a debate about what he meant is probably good. It means that it was obtuse enough that the North Koreans, including the fat child Kim, will also be unclear about what we plan to do. Uncertainty often brings hesitation and rethinking.