What will it take for a normalization of relations between the U.S. and North Korea?
By Chad O'Carroll First it was Myanmar, then Cuba – then finally a breakthrough nuclear deal with Iran. But what about North Korea? Veering towards another satellite launch this September and with strong potential of a follow-up nuclear test – as was the pattern in 2009 and 2013 – it appears almost impossible to imagine how a normalization of relations could occur anytime soon between the U.S. and North Korea.
Yet could there be a way? In part one of a major new NK News expert interview series, four American North Korea watchers – alongside a rising young voice – shared their thoughts about what it might take to see a major improvement in relations with North Korea.
And while there were some disagreements about exactly how things have got to the point they are now, there was striking accord amongst all participants on the impression that unlike with Cuba, Myanmar and Iran, North Korea is simply not interested in improving relations with its long-time foe.
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Korea killer: Is risk of failure stymieing U.S. North Korea policy?
By Chad O'Carroll
While ignoring North Korea runs the risk of Pyongyang conducting further satellite launches and nuclear tests – events that clearly go against long-term U.S. interests in the region – could it be that those risks are easier to deal with than the embarrassment of a major policy initiative failure?
In part two of a major new NK News expert interview series, four prominent American North Korea watchers – alongside a rising new voice – shared their thoughts about the current policy situation regarding Korea. On the one hand, some indicated the past record and risk of failure may have a major impact in restricting new options for policymakers.
On the other, one former State Department observer disputed the notion that President Obama wasn’t already making major efforts to deal with the problem. And yet others suggested there was little to be gained from further efforts.
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Pivot to Asia: What does it mean for North Korea?
By Chad O'Carroll Initially emerging in 2009, the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia” strategy was said to reflect growing consensus that a significant part of history in the 21st century would be “written in the Asia-Pacific region.”
But today, almost seven years on, the policy appears to have had little impact on how Pyongyang looks at the outside world. And with inter-Korean tensions nearly bubbling over into conflict on two occasions since 2013, U.S. deterrence over the North has been described in some quarters as being shakier than ever.
In part three of a major new NK News expert interview series, established and rising American North Korea watchers look back at how exactly the pivot to Asia is impacting the Korean peninsula. While some suggested Pyongyang may be increasing emboldened by decreasing U.S. military capabilities – with the impact that some nations may be unsure of relying too much on American assurances – others stated the policy didn’t effect the Koreas too much.
Click here for the full article at NK News |
Analysis: International service unlikely to N. Korea’s new Wonsan Int’l Airport
By Chad O'Carroll International service to a recently showcased modern new airport at the east coast city of Wonsan is not yet possible, and major hurdles could prevent the introduction of service there any time soon, an NK News analysis of the airport and domestic airline capabilities has shown.
North Korea’s state airline Air Koryo currently only has four aircraft permitted to enter neighboring Chinese and Russian airspace, while the new Wonsan International Airport is said to currently lack refueling capabilities to top up visiting commercial jets.
The lack of commercial refueling capabilities means that for the foreseeable future, only domestic flights from nearby domestic airports will be possible, provided they bring enough fuel to make a round-trip without refueling in Wonsan.
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The many ways of dying in North Korea
By Fyodor Tertitskiy Sad news often comes from North Korea and this news often involves someone being executed. Usually it is either a nameless group of people killed for something small – like possessing foreign DVDs – or some high-ranking official.
However, apart from that the average person does not know much about the death penalty in North Korea. When can a person be executed? Who passes the sentence? Who administers the punishment?
Legal proceedings in North Korea take more than one avenue. One exists for common criminals, another for political offenders. Moreover, the military, as well as the concentration camps, have their own internal courts and regulations. The procedures regulating common criminals are quite standard: The accused stands trial and judges pass a verdict according to the DPRK’s penal code. In the Kim Il Sung era the penal code itself was de facto a restricted document. Even diplomats in foreign embassies who did their best to get their hands on the document failed to do so.
Click here for the full article at NK News |
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