Oops. Did someone leave out the part about “verification” when they signed the agreements at the 6-party talks?
In hindsight, it turned out to be an important point missed. Or, more likely, it appears to have been optimistically glossed over with promises that it will be negotiated later. It seems to have been a hasty decision made to help keep the negotiations moving forward.
That wiggle room left the North Koreans with a spin that the US didn’t hold up their end of the bargain. The North Koreans angrily stating they will not allow a “house search” as in Iraq.
But, isn’t a house search part and parcel of a disarmament deal? Accountability and verification needs to be part of the process.
There’s blame on the US side as well. This deal was negotiated and signed, but when the hawks and conservatives thought the White House was giving away the farm, they reneged on their end of the deal.
There are signs of an early Winter in north east asia. In contrast to all the warm feelings over symphonies in the Spring and cooling towers in the Summer, all the major news sites are carrying the not-so-unexpected news that North Korea will halt it’s denuclearization efforts.
From the American side, any strong action is unlikely until after the elections.
Also, what will a re-assertive Russia have in mind for a nuclear North Korea?
Stories here: Chosun Ilbo | Reuters | AP
Young couple posing for pictures at Morangbong Hill
Many words - heated and sedated, vengeful and in vain - have been expressed and written about North Korea. But many times those words do not distinguish between the government of North Korea and the people of North Korea. While the actions (or in-actions) of the North Korean government receives all the news attention, the human side of the North Korean story gets lost. It is not a full picture.
Of course, with limited travel and tight restrictions, it is understandably difficult to give proper attention to the people’s story. But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Let’s not forget that at the lowest rung of this anomaly that is DPRK are real people trying to eke out a simple life.
We should also make a distinction between the people’s story as it relates to North Korean refugees. There are emotional and tragic stories there, to be sure, but again, not the full picture.
Are there difficulties living there? Yes. Is there oppression and fear? You bet. But, looking further inside, just beyond the occasional moments of curious gawking, you will find some precious people.
I have met a surprising number of progressive-minded people from North Korea who genuinely acknowledge that change needs to happen to revitalize their country. The optimistic views of the bright-eyed college students I’ve met, inspire me to hope that one day they will lead sweeping changes into North Korea.
So, that is our goal - that through this blog, you will get a chance to see a version of North Korea that is a little less hyped than your average sensational headline and a little bit more of the human story.