Update on Talks

[<DasHaas@aol.com>]

5 Nov

       Most interesting newspaper article on the fallout from the failed 
U.S.-NK talks in Malaya(?) last month.  Seems that for all of Madeline's 
dancing skills, the NK leadership has failed to respond with meaningful 
answers & actions to U.S. concerns over its missile intentions & 
capabilities.  

       No major surprise there.  But what did catch my eye was the reference 
to the "near frantic" pace of the U.S. State Dept team attempting to secure 
an agreement for Clinton's "legacy."  Of equally import were the numerous 
references by unnamed administration officials as well as unnamed "Asia 
experts" who have expressed deep concern over the State Dept's rush to give 
Clinton a reason to visit NK before he's out of office.  

       Those of you more interested in Korea than the Middle East may not 
have noticed that in the view of some, the current bloodshed in Israel has 
come in part from the failed Camp David talks with Barak & Arafat earlier 
this year.  A number of ME experts have since voiced their concern that the 
talks failed because the Clinton administration's rush to slap a deal 
together for . . . . Clinton's legacy, prevented the U.S. team from 
adequately preparing for the meeting.

       
Mike