President* Takes a Softer Stance on North Korea

CRAWFORD, Tex., July 21 — President Bush appeared today to shrug off evidence that North Korea may have begun producing plutonium at a second, hidden nuclear facility, and avoided any hint of confrontation with the country as it races to expand its nuclear arsenal.

"The desire by the North Koreans to convince the world that they're in the process of developing a nuclear arsenal is nothing new," Mr. Bush said, striking a far more moderate tone than in March, when he declared that the United States would not tolerate a nuclear North Korea.

He insisted that cooperation with China on a diplomatic solution was moving forward and said American allies would work "to convince Kim Jong Il," the North Korean leader, "that his decision is an unwise decision."

Mr. Bush's remarks — which are in sharp contrast to his words and actions regarding Iraq — come at a time when American and Asian officials have said there is "worrisome" but not "conclusive" evidence that North Korea has constructed a second plant for producing weapons-grade plutonium.

more…
http://nytimes.com/2003/07/22/international/asia/22PREX.html

If North Korea really has something with which to fight back, he won't touch them.

A coward only picks fights against opponents who can't hurt him, not necessarily those he must fight.

was the imaginary one from Iraq. An actual threat to US is not only the result of the Bush* Regime's incompetence but is mostly ignored by these arrogant fools.

first he is boycotting NK than he making macho dictates now it seems things are under control. he has intelligence trumped up in one instance and when officials are saying there is actual evidence of contruction going on. And so what if that is the only thing going in. It seems to me here is another country that gets the cowboys are gunnin' for em!

I remember back when NK stated in no uncertain terms you hit us we can hit you. Just like Iran has done with Israel. That was NK threat as I understood back then.

Again, what would be the reason or NK to strike premptively? Is there one. What would NK possibly have to gain from striking anyone first? Especially with nukes. I don't know why I feel this but I find myself wondering if NK only is strutting in this manner to make a show that yes it has nukes and will use them if necessary and may well be a back up for Iran in the event the US does attempt to strike.

Why are we moving toward such madness? Or is my read on this way off.