Don’t fuel the flames

THE war of words over North Korea is escalating dangerously just when cool heads are needed to resolve a confrontation with tens of millions of lives at stake.

The burning question is how to halt dictator Kim Jong-un’s nuclear and intercontinental missile programmes without triggering massive bloodshed. This vital task isn’t helped by US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley claiming the despot is “begging for war”.

Her words are as inflammatory as US Defence Secretary James Mattis threatening “total annihilation”. These outbursts just feed the North Korean tyrant’s dangerous paranoia. We need smart thinking. The stick of oil sanctions could be balanced by the lure of international aid and trade as a carrot to halt to Pyongyang’s military build-up.

The UN condemnation of North Korea must be followed by the US listening to neighbour South Korea and a China which exerts more, if still limited, leverage than any other country.

If Kim is indeed “begging for war” it remains far better to avoid giving him what he wants.