CAP: Escalating tensions cause concern [re: North Korea]

The Center for American Progress (CAP) published the following on August 9th:

"Fire and Fury"

President Trump needlessly escalated tensions with North Korea yesterday when he said that any continued threats to the U.S. by North Korea would be “met with fire and fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.” The statement was met with immediate criticism from members of Congress, including those in his own party, and other policy makers, who warned that such rhetoric was “not helpful,” especially when the administration has no clear strategy. But the threats continued this morning, this time on Twitter, as Trump tweeted that the U.S. nuclear arsenal is “far stronger and more powerful than ever before,” without recognizing that it was the Obama Administration that had begun the nuclear modernization project.

Today marks 72 years after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, and the Trump administration should learn from the lessons of the past. Nuclear war with North Korea could be devastating and kill millions, including hundreds of thousands of Americans who live and are stationed in nearby South Korea. It's time for Trump to utilize smart, clear policy tools and diplomacy to forge a long-term strategy that will keep the U.S.—and so many others—safe.

First, it’s crucial that Trump fill the key positions in that area that are still vacant, including the Ambassador to South Korea and the Head of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and the Pentagon. Trump has not even nominated an Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security to handle global nonproliferation. Then, it’s time to incorporate the following eight components into a new strategy for North Korea: strengthen alliances; strengthen U.S. military posture; get specific with China about what the U.S. expects them to do; use existing international sanctions effectively; revive diplomacy; partner with Congress; remember the North Korean people; and, coordinate internationally. To learn more about how this strategy could be effective, check out this article from the Center for American Progress. And to learn about the origins of this conflict, listen to a podcast from the Center for American Progress, Thinking CAP!