So where does this leave the nuclear talks? As of today, not much has changed since the summit at Hanoi which ended in no agreement. In Kim Jong-Un's most recent comments, he urged President Trump to pursue a deal that was "mutually acceptable" but then later spoke of his excellent ties with the Trump. This led to Trump responding on twitter, giving praise of Kim Jong-Un while also welcoming the idea of another summit.
1. Do you think Mike Pompeo's comments went too far when referring to the leader of another country? Why or why not?
2. Do you think North Korea's response was justified?
3. How should the US approach the next summit in regards to deal with is and moving towards a solution?
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47971164
I don't think his comments went too far at all. The truth is the truth. It's probably smarter not to say those things publicly, but what he said is not wrong in the slightest. No, North Korea's actions in anything are almost never justified. Their reaction here is petty and thin skinned as usual. Pompeo should be present at the next summit. As for a strategy I'm not sure what we're employing as of right now, but I think economic remedies are the way to go for achieving what both sides may want.
ReplyDeleteI think Mike Pompeo was put in an unfortunate lose lose position by either responding in regards to diplomacy, which would undoubtedly lead the media and a portion of the American people to lash out against his remark, or respond honestly, albeit with little tact, which caused backlash from North Korea and probably will incite partial outrage from the public by all the anti-pompeo for his lack of tact. Here he did not go with diplomacy which would take the form of "The leaders of North Korea care about their people" which is something Trump said after the summit with Kim back in Hanoi which did actually result in public outrage for Trump's optimistic remarks towards the North Korean Supreme Leader. Here Pompeo went with an honest response and I think it was admirable because it keeps the situation in reality by acknowledging that there is a problem with how North Korea is run. I don't think North Korea's response is justified because they actually are tyrants and are refusing the see how problematic their country's government currently is which is an essential first step towards solving the problem. Trump will without a doubt be bringing Pompeo to the next summit because internally he knows that North Korea is neither an ally nor someone who he should allow to run amok.
ReplyDeleteI don't think his comment went too far because he is stating something that is true and agreed on by many people. In the situation he was in, it may have been inappropriate because of the sensativity of these meetings. I understand North Korea's response because what Pompeo said goes against their beliefs and is offensive to them, especially to a senior military official. I believe the US should stand firm on its core interests but allow for debating and agreements to be made.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the first question, I don't think that Mike Pompeo was out of line or went too far in his comments. Pompeo was asked put on the spot question, and his answer reflected that situation. I think North Korea's response was not justified, I think their response was really defensive for a harmless comment. For their next summit meeting, I think Trump will bring this situation up again.
ReplyDeleteI would say that although he's certainly not wrong labeling Kim a tyrant, it seems counterproductive to freely admit that, especially when the leader is so focused on his image, as Kim is. I think that North Korea's response was understandable given the circumstances. As a face-saving measure it makes sense that someone who has so blatantly insulted the regime has to face consequences, and it would be a certain sign of weakness for the North Koreans to not respond to Pompeo. The US' goals at the next summit should be focused on preventing North Korea from developing their weapons technology, as previous talks have tried to do, while establishing a system for enforcement of the terms to make sure that North Korea no longer attempts to test their weapon systems.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't disagree with Pompeo's statement regarding Kim, I would expect him to answer in a more diplomatic manner when asked by the press in public in a time when an attempt to settle on a deal with North Korea is currently happening. It is frustrating to see Pompeo's ignorance in this matter, as he is certainly not wrong for calling Kim a tyrant, but his remarks have once again set back relations between the two countries. Hopefully this matter will be resolved soon, and talks toward peace and cooperation may begin again.
ReplyDelete