02-28-2019, 08:29 PM
Here are some rational, reasoned responses to the summit on the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47382060
I like these to varying degrees I find myself agreeing the most with this take.
"Waning momentum in the US?
Jenny Town, managing editor, 38 North
It is surprising that they didn't come away with a preliminary deal, as they clearly had the outline for one going into the final round of pre-summit negotiations.
The tone of the press conference was relatively positive, indicating that the administration still sees a way forward and intends to continue negotiations.
That's encouraging for now, while also offering some relief to those who thought the US would accept a "bad deal".
However, in the meantime, no concrete obligations have been placed on either side and I would suspect that offers of confidence building measures that we've seen coming from North Korea in the past - such as dismantling of the nuclear test site - are unlikely to continue.
Of all the stakeholders in this process, the lack of movement on the US-North Korea agenda puts South Korea in a very awkward position, unable to secure the sanctions exemptions they were hoping for as part of this deal, which would facilitate the resumption of inter-Korean economic cooperation.
Moreover, despite the president's stated will to continue negotiating with North Korea, in the current domestic political environment, there is a real risk of the momentum for this issue waning amidst a sea of competing interests."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47382060
I like these to varying degrees I find myself agreeing the most with this take.
"Waning momentum in the US?
Jenny Town, managing editor, 38 North
It is surprising that they didn't come away with a preliminary deal, as they clearly had the outline for one going into the final round of pre-summit negotiations.
The tone of the press conference was relatively positive, indicating that the administration still sees a way forward and intends to continue negotiations.
That's encouraging for now, while also offering some relief to those who thought the US would accept a "bad deal".
However, in the meantime, no concrete obligations have been placed on either side and I would suspect that offers of confidence building measures that we've seen coming from North Korea in the past - such as dismantling of the nuclear test site - are unlikely to continue.
Of all the stakeholders in this process, the lack of movement on the US-North Korea agenda puts South Korea in a very awkward position, unable to secure the sanctions exemptions they were hoping for as part of this deal, which would facilitate the resumption of inter-Korean economic cooperation.
Moreover, despite the president's stated will to continue negotiating with North Korea, in the current domestic political environment, there is a real risk of the momentum for this issue waning amidst a sea of competing interests."
