"I wonder how Reagan would've handled Iraq and North Korea".
I've always wondered, in addition to Iraq and North Korea, how President Reagan would have handled the Elian Gonzales situation. I like to thank that President Reagan would have said "Hey, Fidel, you want Elian, come to the United States and get him - otherwise here he is and here he stays - in a free country". I don't think Iraq and North Korea would have even made any threats against the USA with Reagan as President. God, keep President Reagan close.
I agree with your thoughts re: Elian Gonzalez - Reagan would have said "the boy stays and that's the end of it".
If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend the book "When Character was King" by Peggy Noonan. A quick read, but well written. There is a part where she takes her early teens son to the Reagan library and introduces him to Reagan (clearly before he got too ill). Guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.