As you probably know by now, I’m a big fan of Nicholas Eberstadt - he is the man I wish to be. In today’s Washington Post, with the six-party talks set to begin in Beijing, Big Nick explains much more eloquently than I can why we should expect these talks to result in, at best, diddly squat, and at worst, the latest in the line of bad agreements made with North Korea. Just an appetizer:
Are we to believe that a deep mystery about North Korea’s true nuclear intentions lies buried within this story line, yet to be unearthed through further diplomatic exploration? The record suggests otherwise. Pyongyang has made it clear it will push its nuclear weapons project overtly when it can — and covertly when it must. With the right enticements, Pyongyang can be persuaded to promise to give up its nuke program. It just can’t be persuaded to actually keep the promise.
Readers who fail to read Eberstadt’s WaPo piece IN FULL will be rolled up in a straw mat and beaten with a very big stick.
(Hat tip to Plunge)
