North Korea, an Update

I understand from US news sources that the North Korean "Question" dominates the news stateside. From the ways this story is reported, it seems that we are on some brink of Armageddon here.

To bring some necessary balance, let me offer a few mitigating remarks. These are my notes from remarks made this morning in my faith community - www.ilcseoul.net - by Foreign Ministry Spokesman CHO, T'ai Yong. Just below is a picture I took of him this morning, but you can also see another picture of him by clicking here.

 
1. The North Korean situation is on news-shows here every day. It is the topic of many conversations. While South Koreans take the North Korean dictator seriously, we do not see much evidence of folks changing their daily habits.

2. No one here is hoarding, practicing civil defense measures, running the banks, or acting like it's the end of the world. Just not happening.

3. Korea and its allies are still on high alert.

4. Dictator Kim in North Korea is not expected to do anything dangerous; he's not crazy, but he is young.

5. The South Korean policy remains one that (1) pressures and (2) seeks dialogue, to create mutual confidence.

6. Since this current "crisis" has gone on for an extended time, it is difficult to envision face-saving solutions to this situation.

7. Bottom line: the situation is "safe and stable." (Or in the words of my students, "I'll start to worry when the US Embassy says to worry.")

Now in my own voice, I feel led to respond to the an unfortunate editorial in the NYTimes on Saturday. Jeremi Suri argued for a small, strategic bombing of NK as "the best of bad options on the Korean peninsula." Written by one who claims expertise in diplomacy, it is actually an example of an impatient author, who does not understand the nuanced accents of diplomacy. If he got his wish, then my life here in Korea would be more endangered!

The unforeseen and unintended consequences of such a bombing would last far longer than this current crisis, and the USA would suffer, in injured, limping diplomacy, well into the next generation. The damage to Koreans' chances to reunite their nations would be pushed back years.

Can you say, "Bay of Pigs," Mr. Suri? 

Peace, actually,

Marc