Explaining North Korea’s actions, redux
MSNBC’s Eric Baculinao files a story on the North Korean situation that contains a first in my memory — a North Korean policy analyst providing anonymous quotes. [What, that’s never happened before?–ed. I’m sure it has, but it’s the first time I’ve seen it.]. The highlights: “We have nothing to lose,” explained a North Korean ...
MSNBC's Eric Baculinao files a story on the North Korean situation that contains a first in my memory -- a North Korean policy analyst providing anonymous quotes. [What, that's never happened before?--ed. I'm sure it has, but it's the first time I've seen it.]. The highlights:
MSNBC’s Eric Baculinao files a story on the North Korean situation that contains a first in my memory — a North Korean policy analyst providing anonymous quotes. [What, that’s never happened before?–ed. I’m sure it has, but it’s the first time I’ve seen it.]. The highlights:
“We have nothing to lose,” explained a North Korean foreign affairs analyst. “The conclusion is that the second Bush administration is more interested in pursuing encirclement net against us than in a substantial solution of the nuclear issue,” the analyst said. The analyst, who spoke to NBC News on condition of anonymity, cited attempts to form a so-called “government in exile” as part of a perceived strategy for a “regime change” in Pyongyang. “The Americans don’t want to negotiate with us,” the analyst said. “They prefer the representatives of defectors who could be the shock troops in putting the ‘North Korea Freedom Act’ in force.” “They reportedly called a secret meeting in Tokyo and organized a preparatory committee for founding a so-called ‘government-in-exile.’ … The important thing is that every day, there are increased plots and blasphemy against our dear leader Kim Jong Il,” the analyst added. “We will not return to the talks until the U.S. administration fundamentally changes its Korea policy,” the analyst said. “If the U.S. will refuse, then our way is clear.”
So what the hell is the North Korea Freedom Act? Click here to read more about the re-named bill — The North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004. Here are links to the text of the law, a three-page analysis of the its provisions from its supporters, and a critique by a former aid worker. [So is this the real explanation for the DPRK’s actions?–ed. I doubt it — the timing is off. The act was signed into law about four months ago, and the DPRK official was referring to its old name in the report. Still, what’s interesting is the attempt by DPRK officials to rationalize their action.]
Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast. Twitter: @dandrezner
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