By Can Barack Obama be getting worse North Korea advice then from these two people?:
A leading U.S. think tank has proposed U.S. President-elect Barack Obama promptly dispatch a special envoy to North Korea.
In the Center for American Progress’ recently published policy advisory report to the next U.S. administration, attorney Gregory Craig said Obama must send a presidential envoy to Pyongyang within 100 days of taking office. Craig is currently serving as Obama’s White House legal counsel.
He said it’s important for the new U.S. government to make it clear that advancing ties with the communist state is one of its top priorities, as is making progress on the nuclear issue.
Craig also told North Korea that the Obama administration is open to direct, high-level bilateral talks.
He suggested the special envoy, if appointed, should first visit South Korea for preliminary discussions before heading to the North.
Washington pundits say former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright or ex-Defense Secretary William Perry are possible envoy candidates.
The Center for American Progress is fast emerging as the representative policy think tank for the Obama camp. [KBS Global]
The Albright & Perry duo is even worse then the prior proposed Kissinger & Perry duo. Might as well throw in Kim Jong-Bill and pull off the perfect North Korea incompetence trifecta.
I have to wonder if President Obama will bother to have who ever he sends over there ask about Reverend Kim Dong-shik?
12:59 pm on November 21st, 2008 1
Ah, but Madeline Albright presenting Kim Jong Il with a pair of Michael Phelps swim trunks being personally modeled by the former secretary of state, may be a stoke of genious. I can see Kim rising from his wheelchair now as he clutches his hands over his heart, just before he hits the floor face first. Brilliant.
3:27 pm on November 21st, 2008 2
I think it is premature to talk about a negotiatng team until we have a better idea about the state of leadership up there. The reports that China is increasing its forces on their border suggests that the Chinese may be conerned about some possible instabilty in the near future.
If Kim Jung Il passes and the party stands, then we will need some time to figure out who the new players are and their level of control before it makes sense to start negotiating.
If Kim reemerges at full strength and in full control, then negotiating may make sense in the shorter term.
I don't think the team would be made up of Albright or Perry. They are too old school and Obama might be looking for a fresher approach. A guy named Frank Jannuzi comes up most often as Obama's closest advisor on North Korea.
2:27 am on November 22nd, 2008 3
JOEC. What has given me the most fear is that Obamas choices will be politically driven, such as if Hillory gets Secretary of State. I remember when "Les Aspin" was chosen for Sec Def, in the 1990s. He made his career on discrediting the military at every turn. Completely unqualified to lead. I believe Sec Def Cohen was about as useless, and a syncophant of the highest order. I can't think of one instance where Madeline Albrite ever made a difference other than whitewashing over every problem she ever encountered. So far Obama is taking his time and choosing wisely, lets hope he continues to do so.
10:37 am on November 22nd, 2008 4
I know that Joshua from OFK has some concerns about Jannuzi but overall has a good impression of him after talking with him. That is reason enough for me to give the guy a chance but these Clinton era people I have no faith in. Comment left via Kindle.
12:11 pm on November 22nd, 2008 5
GI KOREA, I read Jannuzi's "resume" on the web, and he at least has the qualifications. Were you refering to a team to meet with North Korean officials? I haven't been keeping up on everyone under consideration for Obama's team. He has excellant qualities for the far east tho.
12:32 am on November 23rd, 2008 6
Gerry I`m referring to these Clinton era people that keep coming up as envoys to NK. Jannuzi does have an impressive resume and I`m willing to give him a chance. These Clinton era people have had their chance and they were just as ineffective as the people directing Bush`s current NK policies. Comment left via Kindle.