[Kaslin]

Victor Davis Hanson Column

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[Netz]

The main fault lies with former President Bill Clinton, Mad Albright, State Dept. total failure, Wendy Sherman (who was the chief negotiator for Albright) in the long, drawn out negotiations to prevent the NORKs from obtaining Nuclear weapons.

This identical mistake was done yet again, incredibly during the Obama, Hillary Clinton, Wendy Sherman (again!) and John “Dunce” Kerry years when failing with the Iranians for their Nuclear agreement.

How can such intelligent people, such educated and bright people fall for the same trick, time and time again?

[Tenacious 1]

There are other lessons from History that can be learned as well.

Reagan ran the Soviet Union out of money and it collapsed. Trump is effectively working toward a similar end (albeit on a much smaller scale). Of course this situation is different in that China, Iran and Russia may work to prop up NK if it gets too bad (which we hope it would). None of them want NK to go away completely or “collapse” (whatever that looks like).

To avoid a final war with NK, there must be a coup of sorts within Dear Leader’s regime. That coup must have military leadership backing from someone or people that are “trusted”. An effective evil dictator ensures that NOBODY trusts ANYBODY, for fear of their very lives. It keeps everybody in line. Nobody whispers about certain ideas for fear of being turned in.

In this way, a coup can only “begin” with a national crisis or event that is internationally known and broadcasted.

Example - If several high ranking officials, including Kim, happened to be assassinated on the same day, confusing the entire national chain of command, the people of NK would discuss it and come together, one way or another. They would unite. NK would change (not sure for better or worse, but only war would be worse).

The risk -—> An event like that may rattle the anxious nation and they could launch a strike in desperation and confusion to actually trigger military response and war.

My $.02

[Fiji Hill]

With the arrival of military genius Gen. Matthew Ridgway, the U.S. regrouped. In early 1951, Western troops retook Seoul and drove communist forces back across the 38th Parallel. But despite continued success, Western forces chose not to reinvade the north and reunite the country.

Huge mistake.

[odawg]

I don’t think we have a history of misjudging North Korea. We do have a history of being a wuss for North Korea.

[lurk]

Ridgway saved MacArthur from humiliation.

[Retvet]

Sounds like Iraq and Kuwait. What parties were in charge at these times?