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Bush’s policy hampers situation
The present crisis in the Korean
Peninsula reveals the flaws of the Bush administration’s “axis
of evil” policy. By lumping together highly desperate nations
(North Korea, Iraq and Iran), Washington is hampered in its ability
to come up with delicate and different responses that are required
in dealing with each nation.
The dual doctrines of “pre-emptive strike” combined with
the “axis of evil” policy sent shock waves of insecurity
and fear into the already paranoid leaders of North Korea. Having
witnessed one “axis of evil” country targeted for attack
and regime change (Iraq), the Communist regime in North Korea fear
they are next. The tough talk of the Bush administration has forced
Pyongyang to play its nuclear card.
The rapprochement between North and South Korea, painstakingly shepherded
by the Clinton administration is now derailed and the tensions in
the Korean Peninsula have escalated considerably. North Korea has
resumed its nuclear program and has expelled the international inspectors
from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). North Korea
has also withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and
threatens to restart ballistic missile testing. Realizing the present
preoccupation of the Bush administration with Iraq, North Korean
leaders see this as an opportune time to escalate the crisis.
U.S. regional allies, especially South Korea and China, favor engagement
rather than confrontation with North Korea. The support for unity
with the North is particularly strong and there have been numerous
anti-American demonstrations recently. Many South Koreans are also
demanding the departure of some 37,000 American troops stationed
there. If the tensions between the United States and North Korea
escalate, and South Korea is pushed to take sides with the North,
it could affect the extensive trade and diplomatic relations between
the two countries.
Perhaps, partially due to pressure of allies, President Bush signaled
a sharp turn from the policy of no deal with North Korea, when he
announced Jan. 14 that North Korea could expect to receive food
and energy aid if it relinquishes its nuclear energy program. But
North Korea has called the new offer a deceptive ploy.
The Bush administration faces a dilemma. If they come across as
too conciliatory, they risk having rewarded belligerence. If they
take a tough stand, they risk the deterioration of their relationship
with South Korea and China.
Driven by its dire poverty, North Korea has an active program of
missile sales to several third world countries. If the North Korean
nuclear program is not shut down, its nuclear weapons could end
up in the wrong hands, including terrorist groups.
Manochehr
Dorraj is a professor of political science.
He can be reached at (m.dorraj@tcu.edu).
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