By There are few academics as knowledgable about North Korean propaganda than B.R. Myers and he of course has written a great article about how Bill Clinton’s trip to North Korea was used for propaganda purposes by the ruling regime:
The already famous picture of Bill Clinton and Kim Jong Il sitting side by side for a formal photograph on Tuesday shows an enormous painting of waves crashing against rocks in the background. In North Korea, this motif is a standard symbol of the country’s resolve to stand up to the outside world, but I doubt if the average American saw anything but a glorious piece of kitsch. No less disparate are the ways in which the two countries are interpreting the former president’s humanitarian mission.
The response of American commentators is, for the most part, similar to what was said last year when the New York Philharmonic visited Pyongyang, and what was said a year before that when the (now-forgotten) February 13 Agreement emerged from the six-party talks: namely, Kim Jong Il finally appears ready for better relations with Washington.
A new note of silliness is being struck this time, though, with assertions that the North Koreans respect Clinton and look back fondly on his administration. [The Atlantic via the Marmot's Hole]
B.R. Myers is right in regards that it feels like Ground Hog Day all over again with pundits claiming this is some great breakthrough and if we only continue to be nice and negotiate with North Korea peace in our time will soon be upon us. Make sure to read the rest which includes why B.R. Myers thinks that President Obama would be making a huge mistake if he ever intended to visit Pyongyang.
In my opinion what President Obama should do is demand that Kim Jong-il keep his promise that he gave to former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung to visit Seoul for an inter-Korean summit. As part of the summit the US President would agree to meet with Kim Jong-il. Of course Kim will not do this because there is no propaganda value in it for him. However, by making such a demand it allows the US administration to keep the image of an open hand towards North Korea while at the same time not sending the US President to North Korea to become the ultimate propaganda coup for Kim Jong-il.
2:52 am on August 6th, 2009 1
The people who always think that KJI is mellowing have their answer in Shakespeare: "Thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought."
5:30 am on August 6th, 2009 2
Your post raises a very interesting point about past inter-Korean summits/agreements.
I think beginning of the end of inter-Korean relations was when the female South Korean was shot at the Mt. Geumgang resort.
But other than that, I think the most important factor was that the North Korean charged LMB with not complying with previous agreements struck between the regime and KDJ/RMH. Even after the nuclear/ballistic tests, proliferation, abducting more South Korean citizens, KDJ is still arguing that LMB should comply with the past agreements. Perhaps instead of KJI coming to Seoul, KDJ should just go to his true home in Pyongyang. ha
In any case, IMHO, I don't think it would be wise to try to get KJI to honor promises made at past summits. This would only serve to bring LMB's non-compliance to the forefront, however sensible and correct his non-compliance was (because NK reneged first).
But in terms of moving forward, I don't think the current coordinated targeted sanctions plan among ROK, US, and Japan would mesh very well a KJI-Seoul visit.
12:09 pm on August 6th, 2009 3
I don't think Obama knows 'what' to do. I think Obama is confused over the belief that 'all you have to do is be nice and ask, and the world will be given to you'. The nievity of this administration is almost overwhelming.
OK, I will give Obama some more time because they are still feeling themselves out and don't want to appear they are like 'Bush".
Lost by being against everything 'Bush' was for, and the reality of the world.
12:34 pm on August 6th, 2009 4
That's an interesting suggestion, having the summit in Seoul and telling Kim Jong Il that Obama will meet him there.