Internationally recognized strategist of the multipolar world and the founder of Difference Group Dan Steinbock said Trump pulled US out of JCPOA under the name of freedom and democracy, but in fact due to interest in Iran’s energy resources, to reduce Iran’s regional importance, and to foster internal division. Leaders of two historically hostile countries […]
Internationally recognized strategist of the multipolar world and the founder of Difference Group Dan Steinbock said Trump pulled US out of JCPOA under the name of freedom and democracy, but in fact due to interest in Iran’s energy resources, to reduce Iran’s regional importance, and to foster internal division.
Leaders of two historically hostile countries for over half a century, shook hands on June as they posed for photographers in Singapore Summit; US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledged on Tuesday to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula while Washington committed to providing security guarantees for its old enemy.
This happened one month after Trump, according to his own words, tore an important international deal, i.e. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and announced that he was pulling the US out of the Iran nuclear deal.
Research Director of International Business at the India, China & America Institute Dr. Dan Steinbock pointed to pressing environmental concerns, Pyongyang’s feeling about its strong hand for talks, and Trump’s more willingness to talks than his predecessors, as three important incentives for North Korea to give OK to nuclear negotiations with US.
Regarding Trump’s efforts to rip up a previously-signed deal, but to hold negotiations, on the other hand, with North Korea regarding the same issue, Steinbock noted that “unlike Iran, North Korea is not a major energy producer in a strategic region and lacks the kind of geopolitical clout Iran enjoys in the Middle East. In view of the Trump administration, it is these two factors –regional might and its energy resources – that make Iran very different from North Korea.”
Here is the full text of his interview with Mehr News correspondent Lachin Rezaian:
What was the most important incentive for North Korea to give OK to nuclear negotiations with US?
In Pyongyang’s view, North Korea’s quest for nuclear weapons has been completed. With requisite nuclear capabilities, perhaps Pyongyang felt it had the strong hand it needed for talks.
Reportedly, there were also pressing environmental concerns. Last September, after a test of a hydrogen bomb, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded as a result of the detonation. It was followed by a 4.1 magnitude quake, due to a suspected cave collapse. Chinese scientists have warned that North Korea’s nuclear test site is at risk of imploding. So even if further tests were needed, they posed increasing risks.
Finally, nuclear talks require two parties. President Obama ignored the opportunity for talks when Kim signaled such an opening. Senator Clinton flirted with regime change in the region. These views have been shared by surprisingly many in the Congress. Setting aside the aggressive bilateral rhetoric of the past year, Kim knew that Trump would be more willing to talk than his predecessors. So, it was time to talk.
