David Scofield, who lectures at the very same spot in Namyangju where the Marmot spent two years of his life, contributed an extremely interesting op-ed piece to the Asia Times in which he proposes a rather intriguing solution to the North Korea problem - “encouraged leadership change.” Like the WaPo piece below, you are highly encouraged to read Scofield’s piece in full (with the same punishment applying to those who don’t), but I will provide you with a choice excerpt:
The key to a successful leadership evolution in North Korean is post-regime military control. The military is the glue that holds the nation together, and it’s the only institution capable of managing and maintaining the country in the short term. Well-placed groups within the northern military establishment must be identified and encouraged in any way possible.
Of course, such proposals will not gain momentum if credible sources of opposition are not known, and there is probably only one country that can secure the information necessary, and its representatives have just returned from Pyongyang. China must be strongly encouraged to aid and abet change in North Korea. It must be made very clear to China that the cost of maintaining and supporting the present North Korean leadership will be very high politically and economically. China has grown very dependent on foreign investment and trade to keep its economy moving and to ensure that internal socio-economic fissures do not widen and deepen. The Chinese leadership must understand that the present situation is not acceptable, and that in the absence of positive steps forward, the situation could worsen, adversely affecting all in the region, including China.
Outside-the-box thinking at its finest.
(Hat tip to Adam at PRC News)
