N Korea rebuilds part of missile site it promised Trump to dismantle

Trump coughs up military exercises and Kim forges ahead with his weapons programs. Trump is anything but a master negotiator. His incompetence and lack of self-awareness allow dictators and despots to play him like Hendrix played the guitar.

You know it just takes a phone call for those exercises to restart, right? He really didn't 'give up' anything tangible, so nothing at all was lost. The elements are always in place, they just need the go ahead to resume the exercise.

Just because Trump and Kim are on speaking terms, it does not mean the US can afford to not show force when agreements are clearly being broken.

Sail a carrier fleet into the Sea of Japan for starters.

You know it just takes a phone call for those exercises to restart, right? He really didn't 'give up' anything tangible, so nothing at all was lost. The elements are always in place, they just need the go ahead to resume the exercise.

The problem isn’t as much that he appeased Kim, as that the right went off on Obama for even saying that he could envision meeting with Kim, and then defends appeasement of Kim when their boy is in charge. It’s sickening partisanship.

If true, this is unforgivable. Trump will not be happy and all options are on the table.

The problem isn’t as much that he appeased Kim, as that the right went off on Obama for even saying that he could envision meeting with Kim, and then defends appeasement of Kim when their boy is in charge. It’s sickening partisanship.

That's fine, but not at all what I was commenting about. I am referring to the first comment about Trump 'giving up so much' in return for nothing, when Trump really hasn't given up anything that can't be immediately taken back.

Why wouldn't they? They want to forward their weapons program, and the US, in response, Under Trump, has decided to DECREASE military presence in South Korea. Good job, Trump!

Kim is on notice, the man wanted all sanctions removed and at this point, he continues on the path, the sanctions will only worsen, keep the pressure on, as Gen. Jack Keane said, we don’t need to put a timeline on this. We have money, resources liquid assets, he doesn’t have a full and inexhaustible supply of cash or resources.

Might was well wait for the next President and hope Trump doesn't let any more pressure off of NK in the meantime. He's not capable of getting the job done here.

Might was well wait for the next President and hope Trump doesn't let any more pressure off of NK in the meantime. He's not capable of getting the job done here.

A Democrat President wouldn’t even come close, they would rather live a a nuclear NK, give concessions and just take their chances regardless if they’re a threat to the region as long as it doesn’t interfere with their domestic entitlement agenda.

Trump’s an appeaser. Is he sucking up to totalitarian despots like Kim, Putin, Xi etal, or is he intimidated by them. Trump’s unfit for any office.

Does anyone really believe that there is a possibility of negotiating with NK and they are honest even after signing documents to dismantle nuke sites. I am surprised that no one close to KJU has not taken him out (suicide mission but what the hey) so that they can be a more free society. China could solve this matter and give KJU an estate somewhere in Mongolia to live out his remaining years and let NK become part of a freer world and in return we reduce tariffs against Chinese goods for a certain period of time.

how many missile sites were dismantled under Obama? Man the news is so biased

bass: A Democrat President wouldn’t even come close, they would rather live a a nuclear NK, give concessions and just take their chances regardless if they’re a threat to the region as long as it doesn’t interfere with their domestic entitlement agenda.

Great. So vote for a different Republican.

they would rather live a a nuclear NK, give concessions

Kind of sounds like the same under Trump.

Oh, and Obama stopped Iran from getting nukes. Can't deny that. And he did it by building a world coalition. Now that's a leader. That's a negotiator.

The article says the nuclear site at Yongbyon remains closed. No change there.

A door and a roof have been erected at the missile site at Tongchang-ri.

So send in a carrier fleet, BeerDeliveryGuy, for a door and a roof?

More ramping up of the fear mongering rhetoric from the US government and the main stream media. This is the best they could come up with after Trumps failed summit. Don't be fooled, North Korea isn't a threat to anyone, the one everyone should fear is the US. Just look at those surrounding Trump, Pompeo, Bolton,and now Abrams, the man Bush pardoned after his conviction for the Contras fiasco, all right wing NEOCON's. Keep the US away from this part of the world and it will sort its own problems out.

Kim forges ahead with his weapons programs.

Kim still doesn't test any more missiles since Nov 2017.

Trump’s an appeaser.*

That's why he said no deal in Vietnam. Because he's an appeaser.

Obama stopped Iran from getting nukes. 

They're still working on it. All that cash Obama handed over to them is helping.

Kim still doesn't test any more missiles since Nov 2017.

No need to test missiles that have been tested and shown to work. Hence why it is called a test.

That's why he said no deal in Vietnam. Because he's an appeaser.

No, Trump said he walked for 2 reasons;

He couldn't make a deal that he liked.

He was worried about the Cohen hearing.

They're still working on it. All that cash Obama handed over to them is helping

More Trump facts that both American and foreign intelligence disagrees with. Iranian assets were simply unfrozen, not American cash, and for reasons more dignified than chasing a noble peace prize.

It's like that movie Mars Attacks. Trump and Kim are on completely different wavelengths, and, as in the movie, much to the American president's chagrin. Kim (the king Martian) and his followers are laughing their butts off at how gullible the president is.

Kim (the king Martian) and his followers are laughing their butts off at how gullible the president is.

Gosh, I hate to hear what you'd say if Trump had agreed to a bad deal, lol. What you said is bereft of any logic. Kim got nothing here except a photo op.

I am surprised that no one close to KJU has not taken him out (suicide mission but what the hey) so that they can be a more free society.

This whole unfortunate situation is a reality, not a Hollywood movie. If Kim was to be removed, violently, the party would be up against the family loyalists and/or the military. There are so many different factions and the Kim dynasty is the glue holding it all together.

And of course, even if it was a domestic situation, elements of the warring factions would point the finger at an outside agency or foreign player. The propaganda outfits would be mobilised against, most likely, the US.

I'm not saying I'd miss the man but it's very unlikely that he's going to be taken out. Perhaps a military coup, but again, factions within the military would by vying for power and that could end up being very messy, indeed.

Three words of warning to North Korea: "Mutually Assured Destruction."

I get that having nuclear weapons makes the dictator feel more secure from attack, but if he ever uses a nuclear weapon preemptively, it will almost certainly lead to a massive retaliatory strike. It would seem at this time that the biggest fear in the world is that an unstable authoritarian would decide that it is a good idea to use nuclear weapons.

No nation can depend on the US not to renege any agreement: look at Iraq, Iran... Under not circumstances should NK give up its nuclear program as this is the only obstacle to US invasion.

More 'winning' by Trump!

bass4funk: "A Democrat President wouldn’t even come close, they would rather live a a nuclear NK, give concessions and just take their chances regardless if they’re a threat to the region as long as it doesn’t interfere with their domestic entitlement agenda."

Hahaha... you just said EXACTLY what Trump and his supporters do; Trump literally says he takes Kim's word on Otto's death, which YOU support 100% by supporting Trump and not disagreeing with him, and he is even reducing the US military presence in SK, at NK's request. He has not only sat by while NK continues to work on their program, he is all buddy-buddy with Kim and praises his ever move. He lessened the strictness of the US sanctions and Relationship, my friend. But hey, when you Don't like the facts, you guys sure love the alternative (facts).

minello7 -

North Korea isn't a threat to anyone.

Try telling that to Kim Jong-nam.

Let me guess: This is Michael Cohen’s and the Democrats’ fault. It couldn’t possibly be that President Trump is a dupe.

In other words, things are much WORSE since Trump became involved.

Now they are also cutting back US Army operations in SK, which puts us further in danger.

Now they are also cutting back US Army operations in SK, which puts us further in danger.

Tbf, the US military presence there has always aggravated the regime in Pyongyang, so maybe this is actually a good thing. I mean, some good has to come out of the whole debacle, surely?

The world is but a stage and everyone upon it an actor.....Shakespeare.

Leopards don't change their spots nor does Kim Jong Un whose temperemental mood changes

prohibit any serious belief in his ever changing behavior !

We should NOT be surprised if NK restarts it's aggressive provocations and actions again in the near future !

What reduced military presence? You guys really don’t understand what is going on.

Joint excercies between the US and SK have been cancelled. No troops or equipment have been moved and it’s not the first time in history that the same excercises have been cancelled.

They were cancelled when I was there in ‘93. Only to start back up again the very next year. It really means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Kim starts playing games, the only thing that he’s been given so far gets taken right back. In a matter of months, even weeks if they really wanted, the drills are right back on.

This is music to Shinzo Abe's ears. Japan was the only country not to believe rocketman. Everyone said, that Japan was the big loser because Shinzo Abe did not meet with Kim. KIm has played right into Shinzo Abe's hands.

What reduced military presence? You guys really don’t understand what is going on.

Joint excercies between the US and SK have been cancelled. No troops or equipment have been moved and it’s not the first time in history that the same excercises have been cancelled.

They were cancelled when I was there in ‘93. Only to start back up again the very next year. It really means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Kim starts playing games, the only thing that he’s been given so far gets taken right back. In a matter of months, even weeks if they really wanted, the drills are right back on.

Actually they were cancelled from 94 to 96, bub. And for the exact reasons they have been today, hoping for the improvement of diplomatic relations. Trump hopes to improve diplomatic relations while ignoring history and his own intelligence, who have been telling him since the first summit, that NK is still developing nuclear capabilities. Kim has got a lot more out of this than the cancellation of the war games. He's been legitimized by the American government (Trump), a reason to further cement his people on his side when he decides America betrayed NK, looser sanctions, improved public image, and dinner at one of Vietnam's finest. Yea sure, the war games can get back on schedule with a moments notice but that's only gonna damage the relationship more. So now you have Trump either looking like an idiot and angering Kim, or you have Trump looking like an idiot appeasing kim.

Can you give us one instance where Trump hasn't been reckless in his foreign diplomacy?

Leopards don't change their spots nor does Kim Jong Un whose temperemental mood changes

prohibit any serious belief in his ever changing behavior !

Might as well say the same about Trump, if your idiom is to be used comparatively. Unless that's what you meant?

We should NOT be surprised if NK restarts it's aggressive provocations and actions again in the near future !

I sincerely hope not. But it takes more than just the DPRK to rein in the rhetoric and excesses. Cancelling joint excercises or possible troop withdrawal is a step forward, from the other players involved.

Everyone said, that Japan was the big loser because Shinzo Abe did not meet with Kim. KIm has played right into Shinzo Abe's hands.

Despite that Abe is right about Kim, he is still the biggest loser who won't ever get the abductees returned to Japan.

he doesn’t have a full and inexhaustible supply of cash or resources.

been saying that for 20yrs of NK sanctions, still didnt stop them making a nukes and the missiles to deliver them. Seems many misjudged NK resourcefulness. Military actions is basically not an option. NK has over 15000 artillery pointed at Soel and could level the city within 30minutes of sustained fire, far faster than any US airstrikes could nuetralize. IF that failed then NK could use its nukes on Soeul, despots have shown theyd happily sacrifice thousands even millions if it meant they would be overthrown or killed. It all comes down to Trump and if he thinks 100s thousands of NK and SK lives are worth it. If anybody answers yes to that then they're just as delude as he is. At least Trump can go to Marlago for a game of golf and chocolate cake after.

North Korea has every rights to own nuclear weapons as long as US continues owning that weapons!

SerranoToday 11:57 am JST

Kim got nothing here except a photo op.

The US taxpayer got nothing but what I suspect was a pretty big bill for a completely wasted trip.

The US taxpayer got nothing but what I suspect was a pretty big bill for a completely wasted trip

I disagree with your premise that it was a wasted trip. North Korea has been a bellicose bugger for over 50 years, we're not going to get results overnight. At least we've got Kim Jong Un meeting with the POTUS ( first time ever ), and relations with S. Korea continue to improve.

Hahaha... you just said EXACTLY what Trump and his supporters do; Trump literally says he takes Kim's word on Otto's death,

I’m sorry, as usual liberals instead of taking an inch, they take a few hundred miles. Of course Trump doesn’t believe Kim, no one does on either side of the aisle, but as emotional as liberals are (and I deal with them every single day) a conversation with them can quickly devolve into a weak garrulous panic and emotional rant and that just won’t go well with Kim especially as Pompeo confronted them with two newly discovered sites where they seem to have been proliferating. So after the talks didn’t go as planned, Kim caught lying about the number of sites he has and walking out without getting a single concession on the sanctions, throwing in his face that Trump doesn’t believe him could have had extremely negative consequences.

which YOU support 100% by supporting Trump and not disagreeing with him,

If he does something that is inherently wrong or harming the nation then I would, you see me criticize liberals, right?

and he is even reducing the US military presence in SK, at NK's request.

Oh, the horror! It’s not like we can redeploy them, it’s SK not the Moon.

He has not only sat by while NK continues to work on their program, he is all buddy-buddy with Kim and praises his ever move.

Yeah, so did Reagan with Gorbachev and the liberals moaned and groaned and even then that idiot Ted Kennedy went behind Reagan’s back and tried to excuse him as crazy to the Russians and look what happened, no more Soviet Union, Ted never became President. So yes, Trump should do what Reagan did.

He lessened the strictness of the US sanctions and Relationship, my friend. But hey, when you Don't like the facts, you guys sure love the alternative (facts).

Liberals don’t deal in facts, they either deal in emotion or what they see as emotional facts.

I’m sorry, as usual liberals... as emotional as liberals are... you see me criticize liberals, right... the liberals moaned and groaned... Liberals don’t deal in facts, they either deal in emotion

Speaking about facts and aside from all that above, you're relatively ok with the failure of the summit and the backlash against Trump, from not just your bogeymen liberals but members of the GOP?

Good to know. Wouldn't want any hints of emotional partisanship creeping into the argument.

been saying that for 20yrs of NK sanctions, still didnt stop them making a nukes and the missiles to deliver them. Seems many misjudged NK resourcefulness.

Yes, you are so right and for the last 20 years every other President gave into giving the Kim’s some sanction relief if they promise to start denuclearize, they have always lied. The Koreans took Clinton, Bush and Obama for a ride. To Trump’s benefit, he gave them nothing, the N. Koreans had high expectations the sanctions would be lifted or at least some and that didn’t happen, so yeah, they’re teed off. Trump didn’t get anything and NK didn’t get ANY sanction relief. Brilliant!

Military actions is basically not an option. NK has over 15000 artillery pointed at Soel and could level the city within 30minutes of sustained fire, far faster than any US airstrikes could nuetralize.

But we have B-2, F-22, F-35s and the Pentagon knows where Kim is or the surrounding area.

IF that failed then NK could use its nukes on Soeul,

Then that would be the end of NK as we know it-Period!

despots have shown theyd happily sacrifice thousands even millions if it meant they would be overthrown or killed.

You mean with a gun to the head....well, yes.

It all comes down to Trump and if he thinks 100s thousands of NK and SK lives are worth it.

Over the Lives of Americans in the bigger picture, No.

Speaking about facts and aside from all that above, you're relatively ok with the failure of the summit and the backlash against Trump,

I’m perfectly fine with everything he did, except for his last comment, but I get why he said what he said and the President did what he could, if NK Doesn’t want to denuclearize one thing is for sure, they will never get a dime or sanction relief whatsoever. So in that sense, it was a loss for Kim because every other President has given in to some form of sanction relief, this President didn’t do that, so I give Bolton, Pompeo and the President the deepest credit.

from not just your bogeymen liberals but members of the GOP?

Yeah and?

Yes, you are so right and for the last 20 years every other President gave into giving the Kim’s some sanction relief if they promise to start denuclearize, they have always lied.

That's the recent history of US administrations, though. Just look how Iran has been treated and Cuba by the present lot. Hardly surprising the DPRK are cautious.

But we have B-2, F-22, F-35s and the Pentagon knows where Kim is or the surrounding area.

Bluster and warmongering is not the way forward. Why even suggest such a threat?

Over the Lives of Americans in the bigger picture, No.

Because American lives are so much more precious than all others?

And then some hatriots wonder why people take offence.

Yeah and?

So why take the partisan angle and obsess about liberals?

That's the recent history of US administrations, though. Just look how Iran has been treated and Cuba by the present lot. Hardly surprising the DPRK are cautious.

Look what Iran did to us, look at what Cuba has done to their own people, but I also believe in the words of John Bolton on that last response: “life is hard for dictators”

Bluster and warmongering is not the way forward. Why even suggest such a threat?

Because that’s the reality, I’m not a liberal. If NK Doesn’t denuclearize or thinks they can attempt to continue proliferation o decide to launch missiles ov JAPAN and not expect a response is not dealing with reality.

Because American lives are so much more precious than all others?

No, but I’m an American, so it’s natural that I worry about my country first and foremost.

And then some hatriots wonder why people take offence.

They can, it’s ok.

Bass:. To Trump’s benefit, he gave them nothing

Except cancelling the war games, a demand NK has made for years.

Trump giving a concession is still a concession. It doesn't magically change into something else because someone you worship did it.

...but I also believe in the words of John Bolton on that last response: “life is hard for dictators”

Uh oh, I wonder if Trump knew Bolton was going to talk about him and all his investigations...oh my....

Except cancelling the war games, a demand NK has made for years.

I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing at all. They can be resumed at anytime and to show on our part good will that the US does want dialogue, but that won’t help Kim get sanction relief, so if he wants that he needs to do a lot more and if he doesn’t do that, things won’t improve for him, they’ll continue to be stagnant politically and domestically.

Uh oh, I wonder if Trump knew Bolton was going to talk about him and all his investigations...oh my...

You try so, so very hard, Lincoln...lol

Who cares if you think it's good or bad? It's a concession and Trump got nothing for it, as usual. That was the question.

Actually they were cancelled from 94 to 96, bub.

Wow, sorry, you're correct. I was there from August '93 to August '94 for my first tour, forgive me for screwing up a detail from my own personal experience from more than 20 years ago. My bad, bub.

Regardless, the joint exercises were back on shortly, with absolutely zero effect on readiness of US forces on the peninsula. So just like today, nothing of consequence was given to North Korea.

As far as 'legitimizing Kim's regime' goes, how else will we deal with him but by talking to him? This is just more nonsense from the 'We don't care what Trump does, it's wrong' crowd.

 I am referring to the first comment about Trump 'giving up so much' in return for nothing, when Trump really hasn't given up anything that can't be immediately taken back.

You may want to re-read the very first post because you misquoted it.

Regardless, the joint exercises were back on shortly, with absolutely zero effect on readiness of US forces on the peninsula. So just like today, nothing of consequence was given to North Korea

See superlib's post.

Who cares if you think it's good or bad?

Who cares what Washington Democrats think? The President did whst he thought was right. The NK Economy slipped another 5% last year, now we know why Kim wanted the sanctions lifted, his economy is worsening and good on the President for not taking the bait the Presidents fell into. The President didn’t get Kim to denuclearize, but Kim is in a very desperate situation with 11 million that were reported under severe and suffering from malnutrition. The ball is in Kim’s court, does he want to see famine again as he did back in the 90s? Only he can decide the fate of his people.

Uh oh, I wonder if Trump knew Bolton was going to talk about him and all his investigations...oh my...

You try so, so very hard, Lincoln...lol

Yes, I try to be truthful...wonder if Bolton will go through the same cycle we've seen over and over - "he's the best, brilliant, a team player", to "he's scum, a dirtbag, a liar"....all in 24 hours....

I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing at all. They can be resumed at anytime and to show on our part good will that the US does want dialogue, but that won’t help Kim get sanction relief, so if he wants that he needs to do a lot more and if he doesn’t do that, things won’t improve for him, they’ll continue to be stagnant politically and domestically.

And you're wrong - lack of appropriate military training just decreases readiness - and that's what Trump has done - and got zero in return.... "The Deal Dimwit"....

Who cares what Washington Democrats think? The President did whst he thought was right.

Right as in "political" right, not as in "correct" right...

The NK Economy slipped another 5% last year, now we know why Kim wanted the sanctions lifted, his economy is worsening and good on the President for not taking the bait the Presidents fell into. The President didn’t get Kim to denuclearize, but Kim is in a very desperate situation with 11 million that were reported under severe and suffering from malnutrition. The ball is in Kim’s court, does he want to see famine again as he did back in the 90s? Only he can decide the fate of his people.

You need to study more history - you think Kim cares about his people? The previous Kim didn't blink an eye when the last famine occured in the 90's - he cares only about himself and the elites he surrounds himself with - and if they step out of line like his uncle - they get shot.

Trump's nK policy is a complete failure - an amatuer operation run by "The Apprentice"....

Yes, I try to be truthful...wonder if Bolton will go through the same cycle we've seen over and over - "he's the best, brilliant, a team player", to "he's scum, a dirtbag, a liar"....all in 24 hours...

As if Bolton cares about the name calling. Lol

And you're wrong - lack of appropriate military training just decreases readiness - and that's what Trump has done - and got zero in return.... "The Deal Dimwit"...

Hmmmm....maybe if the Democrats would have fully supported military buildup over the last 8 years and did what Reagan did and Bush one did, we might be in an even better position, but given the military might we have concerning air and naval power, ill put my money on the US.

Right as in "political" right, not as in "correct" right.

My interpretation would be the “correct” right as opposed to what liberals would think is “wrong.”

You need to study more history -

Oh, I did, now if the Democrats would study theirs...

Yes, I try to be truthful...wonder if Bolton will go through the same cycle we've seen over and over - "he's the best, brilliant, a team player", to "he's scum, a dirtbag, a liar"....all in 24 hours...

As if Bolton cares about the name calling. Lol

You mean Trump and Sarah Sanders have already called him all of those?

And you're wrong - lack of appropriate military training just decreases readiness - and that's what Trump has done - and got zero in return.... "The Deal Dimwit"...

Hmmmm....maybe if the Democrats would have fully supported military buildup over the last 8 years and did what Reagan did and Bush one did, we might be in an even better position, but given the military might we have concerning air and naval power, ill put my money on the US.

You'll lose your money - but more importantly, many more American and South Korean lives will be lost if our readiness is decreased from lack of training. The Dimwwit has no clue when it comes to our military or military strategy - all his repected Generals; Kelly, Mattis, and McMaster all said he's an idiot or a moron with the understanding of a fifth or sixth grader....BINGO.....

Right as in "political" right, not as in "correct" right.

My interpretation would be the “correct” right as opposed to what liberals would think is “wrong.”

Political "right" is always politically and figuretively wrong....

You need to study more history -

Oh, I did, now if the Democrats would study theirs...

How much history did the Dimwit study? Oh, that's right, he used Cohen to threaten them to not release his transcipts...maybe Magna cum moron?

Old Chinese proverb says, if you do not want to be mistaken as to your intentions, "Do not adjust your hat in a pear orchard, and do not adjust your laces in a strawberry field." Maybe Kim did not read his classics.

Anyone who knew anything about NK before Trump became president knows this is par for the course.

Unfortunately, many seem to see the latest presidency as year zero, when it comes to knowledge, preparation and historical context.

The flip-flopping on what to do about the DPRK is amusing and terrifying in equal measure, mind.