Bill Clinton shows that diplomacy works

[babylonsister]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/05/cirincione.korea.clinton/index.html

Special to CNN

Commentary: Bill Clinton shows that diplomacy works
Joseph Cirincione


Editor's note: Joseph Cirincione is president of Ploughshares Fund, a nonprofit organization that makes grants to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, and the author of "Bomb Scare: The History and Future of Nuclear Weapons." He formerly was a senior vice president at the Center for American Progress, a think tank that describes itself as "progressive," and was on the staff of the House Armed Services Committee.

snip//

Whether by accident or design, the Obama administration reset the diplomatic stage. Administration officials largely ignored North Korea for their first eight months in office. Kim Jong Il responded with provocative statements and actions. It almost spiraled out of control. But the Obama administration's patience -- or just policy drift, we may never know -- paid off.

Now in a weaker position than at any time in his regime, Kim Jong Il has been on his best behavior for the past few months. This was the time for a power play, and Obama executed perfectly. He chose as his special envoy the most prestigious political figure in America outside the administration. It is a move that was sure to please the North Koreans, showing them the respect they crave, without costing America anything.

To capitalize on this breakthrough, the Obama administration must now continue to play large. It should show North Korea what good relations with the United States can lead to. Clinton's 20 hours in Pyongyang could pave the way for renewed diplomatic efforts, including direct dialogue between the United States and North Korea, the re-freezing of North Korea's nuclear program and even North Korea's return to the six-party talks.

However, in dealing with the North, actions are more important than words. The Obama administration must seize this moment as an opportunity not only to articulate a plan for North Korean nuclear disarmament but to take concrete steps towards a secure and stable Korean Peninsula. The president should use the momentum Clinton's trip has generated to unfold a comprehensive, consistent regional security strategy.

With this success, Bill Clinton has demonstrated what effective diplomacy looks like. He has shown the former Bush officials what they should have done years ago. He may have convinced senior White House strategists that diplomacy is a political winner, paying dividends across issue areas.

Two power players, Obama and Clinton, have together taken a giant step forward, advancing the agenda Clinton began 15 years ago. America is the better for it.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Bubba, 'Bam, Hil', Al, DEMS showed it. Great to have a prez who knows how to

pick his fights with some thought and discretion.

It feels good to be on Team D!

[burning rain]

2. Let's be fair--Bill Clinton's & the administration's approach poses serious risks.

They could potentially legitimize peaceful diplomacy and undermine neoconservatives' efforts to keep Americans safe the way they've done in Iraq.

[timeforpeace]

3. Really? Iran is next. Then Afghanistan and Pakistan. Venezuela on the way home.