EDITORIAL: Hurrah for Diplomacy

Oct 08, 07:42 AM

Current Headlines: By The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

Oct. 8--The Bush White House has proved more skilled at diplomacy than many of its critics argued at least in the crucial realm of dealing with a dangerous and often puzzling North Korea. This past week, North Korea agreed to disable its core nuclear facilities and provide "a complete and correct declaration" of all its nuclear programs by the end of the year. In return, the United States will engage in cultural exchanges and move toward a "full diplomatic relationship," plus provide almost 1 million metric tons of fuel, or its equivalent in economic aid.

Such a package long appeared almost unthinkable. The Bush team cast aside the early advice of Colin Powell that the White House attempt to build on the links developed by the Clinton administration. President Bush opted for tough talk, looking to isolate and perhaps topple the regime of Kim Jong Il, one element of the "axis of evil."

All of this contributed to North Korea advancing in its bid to acquire nuclear weapons, eventually conducting a nuclear test. That isn't to give Pyongyang a pass. Kim Jong Il has demonstrated his brutality. What has been evident is the need to engage North Korea, knowing the process would frustrate, madden and perhaps prove hollow. Yet, as China, Japan and South Korea have understood, the approach also offers the possibility of a breakthrough.

Thankfully, the Bush White House eventually took the advice, joining the six-party talks, the Chinese playing host. Most important, the president (nudged by Condoleezza Rice, the secretary of state) permitted American diplomats to begin one-on-one conversations with their North Korean counterparts. More, Christopher Hill led the American effort, his persistence, skill and steady temperament contributing keenly to the achievement.

Not too long ago, reports about possible North Korean nuclear cooperation with Syria would have sent the American side packing. Obviously, such links to Damascus are disturbing. Still, remaining at the table preserved the opportunity to explore with North Korea the extent of those ties, not to mention pursue ways to thwart future transactions.

President Bush hailed the agreement with North Korea, arguing that the approach could serve as a model for dealing with Iran and its nuclear ambitions. That suggests an important lesson learned. At the Pentagon, officials may devise plans for a military strike aimed at Iranian nuclear sites. The reality is, the war in Iraq has made such a course untenable. Iran eventually may obtain the bomb. The one tool available for preventing that outcome is diplomacy, deploying the mix of carrots and sticks familiar in almost any high-stakes negotiation.

Critical to a negotiated agreement is follow-through. In that sense, much remains to be accomplished with North Korea. The agreement has not resolved precisely when and how North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons. Experience indicates that Pyongyang may hedge and delay. The American side must keep its part of the bargain, the Clinton White House fudging an earlier arrangement.

The Bush team already has felt the sting of conservative critics. Many located elsewhere on the political spectrum may wish to shout I-told-you-sos. Better to applaud. If the deal holds and North Korea joins the international community, the world will be a less threatening place.

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