The Koreas should go the distance for peace

Far removed from the nuclear rhetoric of the past months when US President Donald Trump threatened to flaunt his ‘bigger nuclear button’ against North Korea, the two Koreas are doing things their way through bilateral talks. It’s a break from the past, from their violent history. The US and China are playing second fiddle in this independent and direct quest for peace. This meeting is a breakthrough because it is the first time that the much reviled North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has met senior officials from the South. The optimism is not unfounded, but it’s wise to remain cautious like South Korean President Moon Jae-in. A smiling Kim receiving officials from Seoul could be called a coup of sorts on the diplomatic front for both countries who should eventually reunite. History and their people demand and desire it.

The two estranged countries, who share the same culture and language fought a bloody war from 1950-53, have come to the realisation that any conflict would mean death to development. Pyongyang may have realised that revolution for a lost ideological cause like communism and resistance with nuclear weapons could only lead to a catastrophe and a mushroom cloud that would exterminate humanity in the region. These talks are a window to development for the impoverished country. For the South Koreans, outsourcing rapprochement efforts to other powers had fuelled more suspicion with the North. These direct talks are the result of sports diplomacy at the Winter Games when the two countries marched under a common flag. What was important about this meeting is that the South got to know the reclusive leader Kim in flesh and blood. Kim has hinted that he might give up nuclear weapons. A hotline between Kim and President Moon is also a welcome step. A summit has been planned, which could be the first sign of reconciliation. The major takeaway from this meeting is this: superpowers and powers of different sizes only muddy the waters. Peace is held hostage, and talk is lost in rhetoric and threats. The Koreas have made a start. It’s a thaw for sure. Let’s hope they go the distance towards reconciliation and unification.