The New York Times January 5th, 2018 "North Korea's Overture Raises Hope, but Huge Obstacles Loom" Article By Choe Sang-Hun The article is about the recent attempts to increase communication across the Korean peninsula. A meeting was arranged for the first time in two years, between the two vastly different nations. This renewal of communication across the border is a momentous movement for the Korean countries as they deescalate the tensions against each other.. On New Year's day, North Korean Leader, Kim Jong-Un, announced a proposition to further tighten the fissure between the North and South, which the South was elated to receive and accede. This was a great leap forward for the socialist nation of the secluded Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to finally emerge from isolation. South Korea recognized the North's proposal as a solid chance to negotiate and perhaps move the two opposing forces from a spectrum of aggression. Some speculate that the proposition to negotiate had come from the pressure and severity of shortages in the DPRK. It is possible sanctions began to weigh in. Additional pressure for the North manifested in a statement from Washington D.C. which urges vessels to intercept fuel ships en route to the upper Korean peninsula. Days after Kim Jong-Un's proposal, South Korean representatives under advisement from President Moon Jae-In, phoned the North to arrange a meeting in the border town of Panmunjom. This reopened contact is a major breakthrough into strengthening the tattered ties the countries share. Peace talks are occurring there through a newly opened phone hotline between the countries. There is still however an issue due to the South's powerful and aggressive ally the United States which stands radically opposed to North Korea. This occurred in Panmunjom, the meeting area that interrupts the demilitarized zone (DMZ) on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018. The necessity of the peace talks became more prominent as North Korean began to strain under the sanctions that were instated upon them from the United Nations. As well as the Nation's shortages, the unyielding tension between North and South have been higher than ever. The DPRK would have a major tactical disadvantage in the event of any conflict due to their usual state of isolation. South Korea has powerful allies such as the United States behind them, all the while pressuring North Korea with cutting off supplies and militaristic threats. In 1950, North Korea invaded the South in order to take control of the peninsula; this was known as the Korean War. Their attempt failed and an armistice was signed declaring a ceasefire - never a peace treaty or agreement between them. Technically, the Korean War has not officially ended which only strains their political discourse. In order to ease and hopefully mend the issues of war threats, resource shortages, and international pressure, North Korea acquiesced to the suggestion of a more open communication within the peninsula. In my eyes, assenting to opening communications with their sister country is an intelligent and advantageous decision for the People's Republic. Far too long have the nations been at odds with each other with minimal attempts at peaceful socialization. The talks would be not only beneficial to the two occupants of the peninsula, but beneficial to peace around the globe. There remain large obstacles to hurdle before tension and war-like ideology is abolished, especially since the North Korean nuclear program has been rapidly advancing and posing a threat to world-wide stability. These obstacles would be considered later; the initial focus must be on their first line of communication in two years and to not spoil this opportunity. I feel that steadying the DPRK through their nuclear disarmament and augmentation of nationalist values could be within the near future which would warrant even more friendly international relations. I will comment on Angeline's and Jeremy's blog posts
2 Comments
1/25/2018 11:29:46 pm
You mentioned that "opening communications with their sister country is an intelligent and advantageous decision" . In what ways do you think they are intelligent and advantageous? Do you think they are advantages for a certain side or both? Why? Also how do you think this will affect the future of both the Koreas.
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1/25/2018 11:41:08 pm
Also how do you think this will affect the future of both Koreas?*
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