What’s the story?
In his New Year’s Day address, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said "the entire mainland of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear weapons and the nuclear button is always on the desk of my office."
In response, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley warned Pyongyang that the U.S. "will never accept a nuclear North Korea."
"As we hear reports that North Korea might be preparing for another missile test – I hope that does not happen, but if it does – we must bring even more measures to bear on the North Korea regime," Haley said.
She added:
"The civilized world must remain united and vigilant against the rogue state's nuclear arsenal. We will never accept a nuclear North Korea."
However, in the same speech in which he threatened the U.S., Kim appeared to offer a potential olive branch to South Korea, saying he was open to sending North Korean athletes to the Winter Olympics in Seoul next month.
President Donald Trump was cautiously optimistic about potential talks between North and South Korea, and saw it as evidence that U.S. policy is working. He tweeted:
Sanctions and "other" pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018
What do you think?
Are the sanctions against North Korea working? Are you hopeful for talks between the two Koreas? Or does the U.S. need to "bring even more measures to bear on the North Korea regime"? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
Related Reading
Haley: No Longer ‘Open question’ if U.S. Athletes will Attend South Korea Winter Olympics
McMaster: Potential for War with North Korea ‘Increasing Every Day’
Trump Designates North Korea State Sponsor of Terrorism, Imposes New Sanctions
(Photo Credit: narvikk / iStockphoto)
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