Open Thread

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: North Korea destroys nuclear reactor tower!

North Korea destroyed the most visible symbol of its nuclear weapons program Friday in a sign of its commitment to stop making plutonium for atomic bombs. The demolition of the 60-foot-tall cooling tower at its main reactor complex is a response to U.S. concessions after the North delivered a declaration Thursday of its nuclear programs under an agreement at international arms talks.

Isn't this extraordinarily good news? Maybe more important, isn't this an affirmation of the Bush policy towards North Korea and Kim Jong Il, and a demonstration that diplomacy pertaining to despots doesn't mean talking with them without preconditions? Hint, hint.

How will media report this news in the coming days? Will Bush get any credit, and will there be positive references to his policy towards Iran? Or will press outlets predictably give all the credit to Jong Il?