What to do with North Korea?

Christopher Hill, the US' chief negotiator with North Korea, is appearing before a senate committee. He's being question[n]ed on whither North Korea? Despite the breakthrough with Pyongyang on denuclearising Yongban, there has been little progress on more concession from Kim Jong-il's regime. Little wonder! Has it ever occurred to the sages who throne in the upper house of the American congress that the US, too, has made commitment which they are dragging their feet on? Maybe yes, but more likely, no! Long negotiations with North Korea have left little impression on America's negotiators. As in all negotiations each side tries to tilt concessions in its favour, yet in the end, a balance is re established by which feelings do not remain hurt. Unless of course, it's a peace of the victors! Which is not the case in the face to face meetings of Washington and Pyongyang. Let's recall that mini mouse George Bush sent a letter to Kim Jong il expressing the hope that talks might result in a deal and soon. But Bush has not lived up to this hope, and in consequent, Kim reverts to the long established North Korean tactique which we know as stalling. The senators wanted to know if Kim is waiting till another president is in the White House to go on with negotiations. Perhaps yes, perhaps no. A settlement is within reach if Bush had the political will. He doesn't, and so, Jay Lefkowitz, his aide on human rights in North Korea, is given wide birth to torpedo whatever good Hill has done at the conference table. In a way, Bush's inaction is the Trojan horse for the likes of Lefkowitz and the late but unlamented US ambassador to the UN John Bolton, he of 'surrender is no option' to assail the talks with Pyongyang. More likely than not, Bush won't budge until he's brought screaming and kicking to concessions to save his mark on the presidency which has an awful smell to it. The time is ripe to come to terms with Pyongyang, but like the traveller who tarries, mini mouse Bush looks as though he's going to miss his train.