READY TO TALK, ARE YA?

The North Koreans have finally scrapped their insistence that standoff talks be bilateral, or at most include China as a host. Now, they say bring all the neighbors--Japan, Russia and even South Korea are now invited.

Score one for the Bushies on this. Domestic opposition said "Sell out! Give Kim what he wants!" The South Koreans said "Stop being such a ninny and just make nice! Stop being such a problem!" But Bush said no. If we get out of the NoKo nuke crisis without a war, it will be because he stood firm and kept things clear and unambiguous.