Thread by @nktpnd

Looking forward to discussion today at @koreasociety with 2 former UNC/CFCA/USFK commanders, Generals (ret.) Vincent Brooks and Walter “Skip” Sharp. Lots to talk about on US-ROK alliance and North Korea fronts.

Brooks and Sharp.

Gen. Brooks places significant emphasis on the remains transfer post-Singapore, underscoring that it was done via Wonsan. Says it was the most important fulfillment of Singapore summit agreement by North Korea.

Brooks: we can do a better job within the alliance of listening to each other's perspectives. Brings up "progressive ideologues" in ROK (making clear he doesn't include Moon admin in that) as seeing coordination as interference.

Brooks says right now, implementation of West Sea work emerging from the 9/19 inter-Korean CMA should resume. More work to be done on guard posts too. "We need something to work on together."

Brooks: pick up the pace on a declaration on the end of hostilities. "I believe it's worth doing."

Brooks: demonstrate intention to pursue economic development of North Korea, but not actually do the development work until North Korea follows through on expectations. This must be ROK-led "in concert" with North Korea. Sounds very compatible with MJI approach.

Brooks: we should create a "visible but not accessible" international development fund for North Korea. When they move on denuclearization, they get access.

Brooks: we don't want to go back to 2017-era of absence of dialogue and presence of threat.

Brooks recommends focus for dialogue should be to drill down with North Korean counterparts on what security guarantees mean in idea and practice.

Good to have confirmation from Brooks:
- no exchanges with KPA on nuclear doctrine/weapons in 2018.
- US-ROK exercises red teamed North Korean nuclear use scenarios in 2017/have thought seriously about North Korean nuclear use early in a crisis.
- also ruled out tacnukes on Pen.