Why am I skeptical of this diplomacy with North Korea? Because nothing is in writing. For example, let's turn around this statement by Mattis. How would Trump feel if North Korea "reorganized" its missile launches to keep them "at a level that will not be harmful to diplomacy"?
What level is that exactly? You have to ask the North Koreans. And since they will likely disagree among themselves, one must write things down -- not only for clarity between the two sides, but also to ensure any agreement survives internal politics in Washington and Pyongyang.
Maybe we'll get away with a mini-Foal Eagle. But this entire diplomatic endeavor is premised on the misguided belief that Trump can fake his way to a stable, peaceful relationship without doing any of the actual work. Good luck with that.
