by WorldTribune Staff, January 3, 2017 In one three-word tweet, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump managed to both issue a “clear warning” to a notorious rogue state and reassure South Korea of America’s “unwavering stance” against North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said on Jan. 1 that Pyongyang was close to test-launching an […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler NEW YORK — It’s once again time to consult the crystal snow globe and peer ahead into what events 2017 may bring. After a surprising, tumultuous and truly roller-coaster year just past, we certainly can hope for a more stable period. But should we? Despite the unprecedented electoral […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk The populist revolt against President Park Geun-Hye has grave implications for governance amid economic unease and high youth unemployment. In this uncertain transition period, Korea’s relationship with the United States is sure to undergo strains if not change while foes of her conservative pro-American policies line up in search […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk The many thousands of protesters who’ve been marching toward the walls of the restored palace of Korea’s dynastic kings toward the Blue House of latter-day presidents have been ignoring a likely target. That’s the American embassy, looming large, brightly lit and carefully protected by hundreds of policemen and dozens […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk Enough, enough, we want no preachment – It’s time to vote on his impeachment! That rhyme from a Broadway classic, “Of Thee I sing,” words by Ira Gershwin, music by his brother George, comes to mind as talk of impeachment ricochets around Seoul – and Washington too. Credit the […]
by WorldTribune Staff, November 29, 2016 South Korean President Park Geun-Hye, in a live address to the nation on Nov. 29, said she would resign if lawmakers develop a plan for the safe transfer of power after an influence scandal involving her closest friend brought thousands of protesters into the streets of Seoul and other […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk The process of “making America great again” is filled with perils and pitfalls, nowhere more so than in Asia. The intricacies and subtleties of the Great Game for Asia often are about as incomprehensible to the experts as they are to amateurs and know-nothings. As President-elect Donald Trump and […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — A powerful UN committee has scathingly criticized the systematic human rights abuses in communist North Korea. In a damning ten-page resolution, the Third Committee has offered a detailed and precise indictment of a deteriorating human rights situation in the quaintly titled Democratic People’s Republic of […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk Too bad President-elect Donald Trump’s phone call to President Park Geun-Hye the day after his victory may be his only chance to talk with her. Even if she’s still in the Blue House when he moves into the White House, she’ll be in no position to display her leadership […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk An air of unreality pervaded the atmosphere if not the skies over Osan Air Base this week as three of the niftiest warplanes on the planet zoomed off the runway for war games intended to strengthen their ability to work together to defeat a common foe. Circumspectly, officers of […]
