Norks for Kerry
Seattle Times:
"North Korea has never had a real election, doesn't believe in democracy and wouldn't dream of putting the political fate of 'Dear Leader' Kim Jong Il in the hands of ballot-wielding commoners. But it does have an election strategy ? as far as the United States is concerned.
"The regime in Pyongyang, analysts say, is rooting for virtually anyone other than George W. Bush to be the next U.S. president. That's why many observers are expecting little progress at the six-party talks aimed at halting North Korea's nuclear program that started yesterday in Beijing.
...
"Bush has been tougher on North Korea than many of his predecessors. But analysts stress that North Korea's dislike of the administration is more than political. It's personal.
"The president has vilified Kim as someone who banquets while others starve, and named North Korea as a member of the 'axis of evil.' In 2002, Bush told interviewer Bob Woodward: 'I loathe Kim Jong Il.' The Dear Leader is reportedly not quick to forget such things.
"At the same time, many here aren't expecting the North Koreans to walk away from the talks. The isolated, cash-strapped Stalinist regime is pragmatic, and realizes that self-preservation ? its ultimate goal ? depends on having resources to distribute. There are few ways left to do that other than by expanding economic integration with the outside world, many now believe.
...
"Bush will be in a stronger position to make demands on North Korea after November ? assuming he's re-elected and the United States has restored sovereignty in Iraq to Iraqis. At that point, a U.S. threat of unilateral action against Pyongyang also would become more credible."
Seattle Times:
"North Korea has never had a real election, doesn't believe in democracy and wouldn't dream of putting the political fate of 'Dear Leader' Kim Jong Il in the hands of ballot-wielding commoners. But it does have an election strategy ? as far as the United States is concerned.
"The regime in Pyongyang, analysts say, is rooting for virtually anyone other than George W. Bush to be the next U.S. president. That's why many observers are expecting little progress at the six-party talks aimed at halting North Korea's nuclear program that started yesterday in Beijing.
...
"Bush has been tougher on North Korea than many of his predecessors. But analysts stress that North Korea's dislike of the administration is more than political. It's personal.
"The president has vilified Kim as someone who banquets while others starve, and named North Korea as a member of the 'axis of evil.' In 2002, Bush told interviewer Bob Woodward: 'I loathe Kim Jong Il.' The Dear Leader is reportedly not quick to forget such things.
"At the same time, many here aren't expecting the North Koreans to walk away from the talks. The isolated, cash-strapped Stalinist regime is pragmatic, and realizes that self-preservation ? its ultimate goal ? depends on having resources to distribute. There are few ways left to do that other than by expanding economic integration with the outside world, many now believe.
...
"Bush will be in a stronger position to make demands on North Korea after November ? assuming he's re-elected and the United States has restored sovereignty in Iraq to Iraqis. At that point, a U.S. threat of unilateral action against Pyongyang also would become more credible."
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