The US has been talking up the idea of “all options” being on the table against North Korea, unilateral military attacks in particular, for weeks now, and appears to be stepping up that narrative again today, declaring that “the clock has now run out” on North Korea.
It’s not clear this actually means imminent US action, or even that such action is likely at all, because these comments are coming just days ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US to meet with President Trump, and in that context, this is seen more as a message to China than a practical threat to North Korea.
The Trump Administration’s position on North Korea from the start has been that China has “enormous” influence and could resolve the situation more or less trivially. China agreed to cut off coal imports as a nod to US calls to “do something” against North Korea, but since then have tried to get the US to countenance some sort of diplomatic effort with a negotiated settlement.
But despite “all options are on the table,” being a phrase the administration has eagerly picked up from its predecessors, it’s not true, because several top officials have made clear diplomacy is no longer being considered at all, Indeed, if there is one message the administration has tried to get over beyond demanding China do something, it’s that past attempts at diplomacy are to blame for the US not having already imposed a military solution on North Korea.
Why not invite Kim Jong Un to DC for a visit?
For a brain implant?
No; that would give him too much of an advantage over Trumpster fraudster.
So NK just fired off another bottle rocket yesterday, was it? Seems to me that Kim Jong whatever his name is, is calling President Schmucko’s bluff? He’s basically saying put up or shut up.
Sure hope Seoul and or Tokyo is still there after this pointless display of testosterone. Not really sure which leader is crazier, theirs or ours? This is all about who has a bigger penis.
Seems to me Trump just backed himself into a corner, and Kim knows it.
The paper tiger will do nothing.What it issue is hot air and even that is stinky.
Wrong. Trump is eager to make a name for himself on the world stage. Taking out North Korea would be historic, and he wants that kind of notoriety.
China wouldn’t allow North Korea attacked by Americans,there would be millions try to escape to China or South Korea.
Why would Americans enter this stupidity,then again if you have stupid President of course he would do stupid. That’s what stupid do.