http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/HJ27Dg01.htmlMore than one interpretation can be given to the visible failure of the diplomatic mission undertaken by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Northeast Asian capitals last week.
The North Korea nuclear impasse has become intractable. The latest indications are that a resumption of the six-party talks involving Pyongyang and China, Russia, the US, South Korea and Japan need not be expected within this year.
Yet in a curious way, the dust is beginning to settle already on the collective outrage of the international community over North Korea's nuclear test this month. A strange, ethereal calm is taking over reminiscent of the "morning calm" that Koreans write songs about.
After the rude awakening on October 9, the six protagonists are no doubt beginning to mull over things as national interests jostle for primacy amid regional concerns. Cracks have appeared in the phalanx of the international community that cannot be plastered over. China, South Korea and Russia on one side are advocating restraint, patience and prudence. They want none of the "proactivism" that the United States and Japan might like.
Perhaps Rice's mission to Northeast Asia was doomed to fail. She pitched unreasonably high expectations of her mission. Talking to the media at the State Department on October 16, she claimed that during her forthcoming consultations in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing and Moscow, she would seek additional measures against North Korea and that the US would strive to "collectively isolate" North Korea.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
