WASHINGTON (AP) — Of the issues that divide Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and President Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, John Bolton, one stands out: North Korea. Bolton, who will replace Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster on April 9, has publicly advocated for overthrowing the North Korean government. Mattis, a retired Marine general who knows […]
North Korea
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Trump must be prepared for meeting with Kim
WASHINGTON — With the nomination and likely confirmation of Mike Pompeo as secretary of state, President Trump will soon have a trusted adviser who can prepare him for his upcoming summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Pompeo’s first job is to make sure Trump understands one thing going into those talks: North Korea […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Why would anyone believe North Korea?
To what shall North Korea’s latest pronouncement to give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for certain “security” guarantees be compared? Choose from one of the following familiar promises: Of course I’ll respect you in the morning; I promise to pay you back; I’m from the government and I’m here to help. There are more […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Donald Trump plans to meet North Korea's Kim Jong Un for nuke talks
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump plan to meet in May for nuclear disarmament talks, a whiplash development that would put two leaders who’ve repeatedly insulted, threatened and dismissed each other in the same room, possibly in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It would have […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Korea denuclearization a possibility?
North Korea’s criminal dictatorship routinely violates weapons and security agreements, so reports that dictator Kim Jong Un wants to “dialogue” with the U.S. and South Korea about his precious nuclear weapons warrant deep skepticism. However, Pyongyang’s latest offer to hold “discussions about more discussions” may not be completely superficial. North Korea’s rapid move from the […]
Posted inNation / World
North Korea offers talks with United States on curbing nuclear program
North Korea suggested it was open to talks with the United States that could include steps to curb the North’s nuclear program, a top South Korean envoy said Tuesday after landmark meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. There was no immediate word from Washington on the prospects for such outreach with the North. […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Staying the president's hand
The eyes of the world are on South Korea as the 2018 Winter Olympics got underway. While winter winds howled on the ski slopes, a welcoming thaw emerged in North and South Korean relationships. Their teams entered the Opening Ceremony under one flag; the women’s hockey teams played as one; and Moon Jae In, president […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
U.S. tightens sanctions on North Korean shipping
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration escalated pressure on North Korea Friday by slapping sanctions on scores of companies and ships accused of illicit trading with the pariah nation. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the U.S. has now blacklisted virtually all ships being used by the North. The administration billed it as the largest installment […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
State Department says North Korea passed up meeting with Mike Pence
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence was all set to hold a history-making meeting with North Korean officials during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, but Kim Jong Un’s government canceled at the last minute, the Trump administration said Tuesday. A potential meeting between Pence and the North Koreans had been the most highly […]
Posted inNational Sports
Against a tense backdrop, let the Games begin
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — On the one hand: The world gathers for a scripted, globalized spectacle of competition and unity. North Korean athletes and performers stream into the rival South for a display of cooperation that maybe, just maybe, could ease anxiety about possible nuclear war. The North’s head of state announces plans to […]