Former CIA Deputy Director Mike Morell said that the U.S. is making relations with North Korea worse by touting military “bluster.”
Mr. Morell said on CBS’ “This Morning” Friday, “We are also making it worse with our bluster, and by sending aircraft carriers in there. We’re raising the crisis.”
“It’s best to just ignore [North Korean leader Kim Jong-un].”
He also said that the situation with North Korea is immediate and that their weapons can probably reach the continental United States, as well as other targets.
“We think they’ve had enough time to mate a nuclear weapon to a missile. So the threat is now.”
Mr. Morell also said to expect a nuclear test this Saturday in honor of the 105th birthday of Kim Il-Sung, the first leader of North Korea since its establishment in 1948. The birthday is often used as a date for North Korean leaders to demonstrate military capabilities in a show of the country’s strength.
Mr. Morell also added that North Korea’s buildup could be a provocation to get President Trump to negotiate with them, something former President Obama often refused to do.
“We have a new president and Kim Jong-un is trying to challenge him. He is trying to get [Mr. Trump] back to the negotiating table,” said Morell.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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