Looking at the agreement, it appears that Kim Jong-un has outmanoeuvred Donald Trump.
North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump were all smiles today, but a meaningful agreement is still a long way off.
AAP/Kevin Lim/The Straits Times/SPH
One noticeable omission was any mention of “complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation” - whether this was strategy or capitulation on President Donald Trump’s part remains to be seen.
Troops in a 2015 U.S.-South Korea joint drill in South Korea.
REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Since the Korean War, U.S. troops have helped South Korea with military training and planning. Our Speed Read describes the regular joint exercises designed to deter North Korean aggression.
“Have you read The Art of the Deal? Nor have I.”
EPA
Donald Trump has always traded on his image as a master dealmaker – but many deals have been done with North Korea before.
Donald Trump’s grasp of most matters in international politics and military affairs is rudimentary. But he’s in charge, so his views bear analysis.
AAP
Kim Beazley, The University of Western Australia e L Gordon Flake, The University of Western Australia
It is not yet midnight, but as the crisis deepens, the diplomatic and military options get more and more complex. And the possibility of war with North Korea is now very real.
U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un featured in a South Korean news program.
AP
Ji-Young Lee, American University School of International Service
North Korea has taken up the South’s invitation to the Olympics, but a quick look at the history of North-South talks suggests that unity is not as close as it may seem.
Kim Jong-il and his counterpart Kim Dae-jung give peace a chance in 2000.
EPA
North Korea’s legitimacy derives almost wholly from its subjects’ perception of perfect strength and resolve. This makes it harder for Pyongyang to back down.
People watch news of missile test on a public TV screen in North Korea.
AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin
The key question is whether North Korea does have nuclear weapons that it can readily use against the United States and its regional allies, South Korea and Japan.