So what do they need us for?

South Korea has proposed a hand slap to punish North Korea for it’s nuclear test last month according to the Wall Street Journal.

The government announced a halt to subsidies to promote tourist visits to Mt. Kumgang, a mountain in North Korea near the border with the South. These have amounted to about $3 million to $5 million annually in recent years.

But the South will allow the continuation of two high-profile joint projects along the North-South border: a factory complex in Kaesong and a tourist resort at Mt. Kumgang. South Korea’s new penalties will have little effect on its nearly $1 billion in annual trade with North Korea.

For the last five years, South Korea, along with the rest of the world has been begging the US to come in and take part in the talks with hair-challenged Jong-Il and now that he’s done something anti-social that he can be punished for, South Korea punks out on US recommendations.

So what exactly do they need the US for in these talks? My guess is; we’re the money. The other parties are so accustomed to a Democrat Congress or a Democrat President throwing money at the Pacific Rim’s problems that they just can’t get it through their inscrutible minds that President Bush wants them to put up something for a change.

Let Japan and South Korea (who have invested in their economy without being burdened by defense spending) throw some money in there. They’re the ones who are currently within missile range of Mister Ronery…and apparently South Korea isn’t all that worried. But, I’m sure that now the Democrats think they’re in charge of something, Jimmy Carter will be headed over to give away the farm seein’s how he’s so good at getting us great deals on our national security.

Category: Foreign Policy