Obama Offers Open Channels to Pakistan, Iran, North Korea

President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Photo form The Daily Mail)

From Wall Street Journal:

WASHINGTON -- The broad outlines of President Barack Obama's national-security policy are coming into clearer focus, as the new administration signals it will try a carrot-and-stick approach toward nations such as Pakistan, Iran and North Korea.

Mr. Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered conciliatory language to some of Washington's adversaries. They said they will seek greater diplomatic engagement with Iran, and Mrs. Clinton, in her first meeting with reporters since taking office, indicated she would favor more direct talks with North Korea, a move long resisted by the Bush adminstration.

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My Comment: In regards to North Korea, the Bush administration found out very quickly that the best way to influence North Korea was through its allies like China and Russia. The Chinese and Russians were not only important in influencing North Korea to get to the table and make commitments, but to also insure that they will abide to any arrangement.

The go alone approach was tried by the Clinton administration in the 90s .... and it failed miserably.

In reference to Iran and Pakistan .... the same argument can be made.