A suggestion on North Korea

The only way to solve the North Korea problem, short of war, is diplomacy. Decades of sanctions have not worked. The only way to diplomatically accomplish peace is to satisfy the goals of the parties concerned.

North Korea's main goal is survival of its regime. China wants the same thing. South Korea wants its security guaranteed. The U.S. wants peace on the Korean Peninsula and survival of South Korea.

To accomplish everyone's goals why not try the following:

Transform the Korean Armistice into a permanent treaty between North and South Korea. In other words North and South Korea each recognize the other as a separate country. Next have China and North Korea enter into a treaty which states that China will defend North Korea if attacked. The U.S. and South Korea sign a similar treaty thereby guaranteeing each country's security and sovereignty. In return North Korea will freeze its nuclear program.

Obviously details would have to be worked out, but I think that by satisfying everyone's goals would be a good way to start diplomatic negotiations.

Ronald D. Mengarelli

Gilberts