Smug, Condescending and Incomplete ...

Smug, Condescending and Incomplete...

Today's New York Times editorial manages to lecture George Bush about the benefits of talking with one's enemies. The frame work is based on all carrot and it is a proven fantasy (see Bubba/Carter/94).

Prior to 9-11 the North Korean regime laughed at the West, pocketing all incentives while moving ahead with their nuclear ambitions as they saw fit. Now it appears to be a different scenario. In a far more serious world where there are repercussions for such behavior and a motivated international community because of it, North Korea appears to be sitting down at the table with serious intentions of playing cleaner than ever before.

Who proved more successful, Jimmy Carter's love kisses or George Bush's no nonsense approach?

The New York Times Editorial
The Lesson of North Korea

It is welcome news that North Korea has agreed to move toward dismantling its nuclear weapons program in exchange for fuel oil and international acceptance — including the hope of eventual recognition by the United States. When dealing with Pyongyang (and for that matter, the Bush administration), a lot can slip betwixt the cup and the lip. But if all goes as agreed, the world will be safer.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/14/opinion/14wed1.html?_r=1&oref=slogin