OPINION:
The North Korea-United States deal is a great start for total denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the opening of North Korea for development of trade and the improvement of life for North Koreans (“Trump promises new era of peace after ’complete denuclearization’ pledge,” Web, June 12). The North Korean press hails President Trump as a great leader and praised Kim Jong-un for signing the agreement, which is described as a victory.
The deal was orchestrated by new U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mr. Trump used trade talks with China to put pressure on Mr. Kim to negotiate, as China does not want nuclear missiles in North Korea, either. Mr. Trump clearly laid out the economic opportunity, which can include the finest hotels in the world and much higher standard of living for the people.
The cancellation by Mr. Trump of the last part of the United Nations combined annual military exercises is a victory of sorts for North Korea, but the exercises can be started again any time America chooses. In return, the North Korean release of information about 5,000 missing U.S. servicemen lost during the war from 1951 to 1953 is very valuable for many families and loved ones.
Mr. Trump has made a breakthrough in 70 years of failed American policies by presidents who appeased the Stalinist state by donating huge sums of money for nothing and by leading “from behind.” It is time that the RINOs and leftist Trump haters in the liberal media, academia, Congress and Hollywood acknowledge the president has achieved a masterstroke.
LT. COL. DOMINIK GEORGE NARGELE
U.S. Marine Corps (retired)
Arlington
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