EMERGENCY RISK REDUCTION

If you’re reading this blog, you probably stay somewhat knowledgeable of current events. And you’ve surely heard of the face-to-face meeting between the leaders of the US and North Korea now underway in mid-June 2018. It is of great importance, and why am I writing about it.

So much of the media is scoffing about these meetings, held in neutral Singapore. There are caricatures of both Trump and Kim Jong-un, and the news is having a ‘field day’ with it. Two unlike and unlovable leaders, both of whom are grandstanding for their citizens, allegedly to solidify their positions. This may be in the mind of a politician, but I think it’s far overshadowed by possible outcomes of the meetings.

At this writing, the US is the largest economic power in the world. North Korea is one of the smallest. (Numerous US states have larger economies.) So why is Trump meeting with this insignificant leader. Sadly, upon closer inspection, N. Korea is not that insignificant.  The country has been saying, and more importantly, doing things that can destabilize the world as we know it.

The easiest, most profound way to destabilize is with the use of nuclear weapons on other countries.  Kim has both threatened this against the ‘west’, as well as shown that he’s moving toward ‘nuclear capability’…both the development of weapons-grade nuclear components, and a delivery system (i.e. a launch capability able to reach another country…even North America). Maybe you recall the rhetorical threats of only a couple of months ago. The best way to address this issue is for face-to-face meetings with the decision-makers.  This means Trump and Kim.

Despite all the criticism of Donald Trump, and he gets it in spades, he does follow through with most of what he has promised  – immigration, taxation, regulations, relocating US embassy in Israel, etc.  Regarding North Korea, US presidents have pondered what to do about this ‘rogue nation’ for decades. Unlike previous leaders, Trump is doing something. He has arranged meetings with its leader, Kim Jong-un.  This alone deserves some credit. So why does 99% of mainstream news paint it negatively?  It’s almost as if they want Trump to fail…just because it’s who is Trump at the helm.

Problem is that if negotiations fall apart, North Korea will move full speed ahead with nuclear armament.  This will not bode well for any country in the West. Countries that literally hate the US (i.e. most of the Middle East) jump at the chance to accelerate their assistance.  Not to say that even if an agreement is reached, clandestine armament could not take place. But hopefully the Trump administration is well-aware of unkempt promises by North Korean in the past. And demand transparency and verification.

This is a high stakes game.   And as I have written in past blogs, the threat of a human-induced disaster looms large. The danger may become clear and present. I really don’t think any of us realize how the world will change forever as soon as a nuclear weapon is detonated – anywhere and for any reason. Deliberate or accidental. It will be a life-changer. We can’t afford for this to happen. So despite one’s personal opinion of world politics, the present US administration, or the person of Donald Trump, we should all wish him wisdom and success in the face-to-face talks with Kim in Singapore.   The outcome will impact us more than we realize.