US expert calls for different yardstick to measure success of Trump
An American expert called for a different yardstick to measure the success of next week's summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, insisting that the US policy objective is not denuclearization but peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The argument from Daniel DePetris, a fellow at the Defense Priorities think tank, appears in part to be aimed at shielding Trump from possible criticism he could face if the Feb. 27-28 summit in Vietnam's Hanoi doesn't yield concrete results denuclearization wise.
But it spurs worries that Washington might also lower its sights and settle for results falling short of complete denuclearization, which would effectively amount to recognizing a nuclear North Korea as long as it does not pose threats to Americans, the worst case scenario for South Korea.
DePetris argued that complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the North is a "fantasy."
"We need a completely different metric for success," he said in the article carried by Fox News website. "Ultimately, the paramount US policy objective with respect to North Korea is not denuclearization, but peace, security, and predictability on the Korean Peninsula."
He also argued that next week's summit can be a success "only if the president focuses less on Pyongyang's nuclear dismantlement and more on creating a more amicable and predictable security and peace regime on the Korean Peninsula."
"Indeed, if Trump leaves Vietnam with a mutual commitment from Kim to turn the page on nearly 70 years of hostile relations between Washington and Pyongyang, the president would have accomplished something his predecessors have not," he said.
The North could agree to "some partial, reversible" denuclearization steps, but the White House should not expect more than that in the current security environment, the expert said.
"Why, after spending untold billions of dollars over a quarter-century researching, developing, building, and modifying a nuclear and ballistic missile capability at considerable cost to its economic development, only to have a change of heart?" he said.
"Given North Korea's weak position compared to its more wealthy and militarily powerful neighbors, Kim Jong Un would be downright crazy to do so," he added.
DePetris also took note of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's drive to make peace with the North, saying the initiative has demonstrated to the world "how beneficial reconciliation with the North can be to the security of the region." (Yonhap)
-
Deceased KApple Store goes offline ahead of 'Unleashed' eventMinistry sorry for poor communication after public alarmed by rocket testS. Korean IOC member emphasizes fairness in making joint Olympic team with N. KoreaWhere to preHow to use TikTok for business: Tips from the Sani SistersTrump says Japan's PM nominated him for Nobel Peace PrizeAlcaraz ready to keep torch burning25 Years Later: A Brief Analysis of GPU Processing EfficiencyElrond and Durin's friendship carries on an important 'Lord of the Rings' tradition
- ·A global problem is preventing the wars in Ukraine and Gaza from coming to an end.
- ·Substack failed to register a URL. It allowed me to receive their private emails.
- ·UN adopts resolution on Uzbekistan's proposal
- ·Parental controls are such a scam
- ·PS5 Pro: There are new whispers that the release date is fast approaching
- ·How to block spam texts
- ·Quitting Juve wasn't easy: Agnelli
- ·N. Korea fires one SRBM into East Sea: S. Korean military
- ·Discover Secret Swimming Holes and Hidden History in Crystal River, Florida
- ·Trump says he just doesn't want NK to test nukes, missiles
- ·Thiem handed Australian Open wildcard
- ·TikTok's air fryer tortilla pizza hack is perfect drunk food
- ·优化广东优质农产品产销资源对接!“农友圈”又有新动作
- ·The MacBook Pro finally lives up to its name
- ·North Korea speeds construction spree in Samjiyon
- ·How to watch Apple TV on FireStick
- ·Footage of Kim Yo
- ·This easy air fryer hot dog recipe is a delicious must
- ·TikTok's air fryer tortilla pizza hack is perfect drunk food
- ·Pornhub responds to permanent Instagram ban in open letter
- ·Prime exclusive deal: $50 off Govee floor lamp
- ·Pornhub responds to permanent Instagram ban in open letter
- ·Pornhub responds to permanent Instagram ban in open letter
- ·North Korea speeds construction spree in Samjiyon
- ·Republicans on abortion
- ·Postmates releases Pride Month 'bottom menu'
- ·By a technicality, August's full moon is blue. Here's why.
- ·逆行!为了“大动脉”尽快恢复通行
- ·'What are we doing?' Chris Murphy asks fellow lawmakers in wake of school shooting
- ·Lorde's shushgate, explained
- ·World's first green ammonia plant is now open for business
- ·Trolls swamped Trump's new social network 'TRUTH' before it even launched
- ·Twitter pulls the plug on vibe checks
- ·Yoon vows to correct 'evils' hindering growth
- ·Best smart home deal: The Amazon Smart Thermostat is just $63.99
- ·Yoon vows to correct 'evils' hindering growth