Bush team tries to keep lid on frustration over NKorea: experts

[Kokonoe]

Source: WASHINGTON (AFP)

The Bush administration is trying to keep a lid on growing frustration over faltering talks to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons as criticism surfaces from hardliners in the wings, experts say.

Some speculate that the secretive Stalinist state may be hedging its bets as it sizes up the US presidential election campaign to succeed Bush and a new South Korean president who takes office in February.

The criticism came from Jay Lefkowitz, Bush's special envoy on North Korea's human rights, during a January 17 speech to the American Enterprise Institute, the bastion of neo-conservative hardliners.He charged that North Korea used its nuclear arsenal to "extort" foreign aid, was "not serious" about disarming, and would likely not give up its weapons before Bush's term ends in January 2009.

"However, there is a big question ...which is how much patience does the Bush administration, particularly President Bush have," Wolfsthal said.
"If time runs out on the Bush administration are they going to leave a process of engagement for their successor; or in the waning months of the administration will they try to salt the earth so nothing else can grow?" he asked.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080127/wl_asia_afp/nkoreausdiplomacypolitics

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Condoleezza Rice hailed the N Korea nuclear deal a year ago.

[pattmarty]

1. I thought this was one of the things he supposedly fixed.

[Kokonoe]

2. Maybe they needed to change the news with a new story

Here are the Headlines for February 12, 2007

U.S. Accuses Iran of Sending Bombs to Iraq-
Ex-Official: Bush Advisers Want Excuse to Attack Iran-
Top Cheney Adviser: 2007 “Is The Year of Iran”-
Sen. Obama: Iraq War a “Tragic Mistake”-
Australia’s PM: Al Qaida Praying For Obama Victory-
Sen. Clinton Refuses to Admit Mistake Over Iraq Vote-

Headlines for February 13, 2007
Gen. Peter Pace Questions Claim About Iran Arms in Iraq-
North Korea Agrees To Close Main Nuclear Reactor-
IAEA Chief El Baradei Warns Against Military Action Against Iran
An Israeli cabinet minister is warning that Israel might decide on its own to confront Iran in order to halt its alleged nuclear weapons program.-

[Rex]

3. Oh hoo fucking hum, George and Dickless aren't going to lift a finger

toward NK, why? They just release garbage news like this to puff up the WHs ballsack, so people think the WH really has a pair. :eyes:

[Kokonoe]

4. It was a fake story.

It just seem released in contemplation of Israel attacking Iran. All options

[Rex]

6. Fluff pieces, just like Israel and Iran going to war.

They won't. Israel has far more to deal with a home. I just can't stand these fake news stories anymore. Bad enough our government holds fake news conferences!

[NNN0LHI]

5. Anyone that thinks NKorea is going to give up their nukes is crazier than Kim

Would we give ours up?

Don