Stardate 20030424.2239

(On Screen): Now that talks have collapsed in Beijing with "strong views" being exchanged, which is to say that they were yelling at one another, it should surprise no one that North Korea lays full blame for the failure of the talks on us.

They also claim that they offered a "new bold proposal", without offering any details of what that might entail. However, a report from Americans involved in the "negotiations" (I can scare-quote with the best of 'em, folks) makes clear what their new bold proposal involved: even more concessions from the US.

It was bold, alright. Cheeky, even.

During this week's talks, the North Koreans outlined what was described as an extensive proposal for ending the crisis. In effect, U.S. officials said, North Korea wants to reestablish the 1994 agreement under which it would give up its nuclear programs in exchange for a steady supply of energy -- but the dismantling of the programs would only take place once Washington fulfilled its end of the bargain.

See, first we forget about the fact that NK completely ignored its obligations under the 1994 program. Then we go back to giving them huge amounts of fuel and food on our nickel without any oversight over how they're used. Then, once that's happened, we start to negotiate with North Korea about exactly how their nuclear program would be dismantled.

How can we turn down such a marvelously new bold proposal?

Quite easily, actually. But don't be too surprised if the US gets lambasted by all the usual suspects in the next few days because of this.