Jay began writing politically themed commentary and founded his blog, Swimming Freestyle, in October 2007. Here he'll write about politics from a progressive perspective.

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Now That Wasn't So Hard, Was It?

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June 25, 8:55 AM

by Jay McDonough, Progressive Politics Examiner

Some very good news. It's being reported the Bush Administration will ask Congress tomorrow to remove North Korea from the "terrorist watch list".

While North Korea's behavior continues to be erratic and often troubling, the Bush administration's decision will be considered a major victory for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Deputy Secretary John Negroponte, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and others -- but the real winner is Department of State Asst. Secretary for East Asia Affairs Christopher Hill -- who has been under almost constant assault from John Bolton and others opposed to deal-making with North Korea. (Link)

Removing North Korea from the list is, no doubt, a negotiating point reached during discussions with the Koreans. It comes, as no coincidence, on the same day North Korea is to make declarations regarding the status of their nuclear programs.

North Korea has begun dismantling its Yongbyon atomic reactor as part of a deal reached at the talks in which it agreed to give up its nuclear programmes in exchange for improved diplomatic ties and economic aid, mostly in the form of energy. (Link)

One might presume, given the great success they've had defusing the North Korean threat, the Bush Administration would apply these learnings to dealing with a similar set of issues with Iran. Instead, the Administration's public Iran strategy is one of schoolyard bravado and obstinance.

In any event, congratulations to those folks in the Administration with the maturity and good sense to see negotiation as, in some cases, the course of strength.
Topics: Iran , Bush Administration

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Comments

Obama's birth certificate; you can't keep a good conspiracy theorist down

8 comments

December 4, 3:24 PM

Did you know the Apollo 11 moon landing was faked by NASA?Did you know 9/11 attacks were orchestrated by the U.S. government?Did you know the government manages Area 51, where alien spacecraft and its occupants are being studied?Well, maybe you don't... Read More

The president's most solemn oath

1 comment

December 4, 2:12 PM

On January 20, 2009 Barack Obama will take the following oath and become the 44th president of the United States:"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of... Read More
Topics: Torture , Bush , Mukasey

Auto industry predictions

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December 4, 11:35 AM

Phil LeBeau from CNBC made some predictions the other day about the U.S. auto industry. A couple:1. Chrysler will be sold.This isn't hard to imagine. The company is a shell of what it once was, it has just enough cash to stay out of bankruptcy,... Read More

The case for health care investment

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December 4, 9:26 AM

Given the precarious state of the economy and the huge investment being made to keep Wall Street afloat, some have argued any move to implement universal health care is ill-timed. Jonathan Gruber, in an op-ed piece in today's New York Times, argues... Read More

A picture for the day

1 comment

December 3, 5:16 PM

Beijing, China: A newborn baby holds onto his mother's finger at a hospital (Photograph: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) ... Read More

UAW offers concessions to automakers

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December 3, 3:49 PM

The United Auto Workers announced today their willingness to make contract concessions to assist the troubled Big Three automakers in winning loan guarantees from the federal government. The UAW will agree to delay the autoworkers contribution... Read More

Subpoenas issued in Justice probe

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December 3, 3:09 PM

Attorney General Michael Mukasey appointed an independent prosecutor, Nora Dannehy, two months ago to investigate the dismissals of nine U.S. attorneys. Mr. Mukasey's move was initiated following an internal Department of Justice review that concluded... Read More

Retired officers want torture revoked

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December 3, 11:59 AM

The other day I noted a Washington Post op-ed, written by a former interrogator, arguing for an end to the use of torture by American forces. I included this comment:After reading much on the topic, it seems that the great majority of career military... Read More