North Korea

Are you ever concerned about issues that are just so large and complex that there is nothing for you, a single person in a big universe full of people, to do about it?

That is my feeling on the current issue with North Korea.

Now I don't consider myself an expert on our foreign policy with North Korea or international relations in general. But as a concerned citizen, I can't help but be worried about the recent turn of events overseas. I have always been interested in international relations, foreign policy, and game theory. And realistically I know that Kim Jong Il, leader of North Korea, is just using his nuclear weapon program as a deterrent or bargaining chip for financing the country. But announcing his nuclear weapon arsenal, he wants to lure us into bilateral talks. A statement issued yesterday from the White House, denied any talks with North Korea. And for once, I agree with our President.

So let me give you my thoughts on the issue. I wholeheartedly agree that we should not meet with North Korea just to meet the demands of their crazed leader. I know that I am probably not the only one who has the feeling that China plays a huge role in this saga. I don't for one second believe that North Korea should have the power it believes that it deserves and I feel that China should step up some pressure for the sake of the world. I believe that with China, an up and coming world power (whether they choose to be or not), should take this opportunity to show the world what they are capable of doing. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that we should do nothing. All I am saying is that we should be willing to do our part (meaning we do not cave into pressure and blackmail but short of that, our role in all this is unclear) but that other hegemonic countries have a responsibility to the rest of the world to prevent global genocide.

Just my thought for the day.