Here.

For totalitarian nations and entities, "negotiations" are just another battle tactic. "Talk, talk, fight, fight" was how Mao put it. This was used to great effect by our enemies in the Viet Nam war, who had no real interest in a negotiated settlement, but appreciated how "peace talks" tended to squelch American military efforts.

North Korea had no intention whatsoever of following the agreement with Clinton. But it kept the U.S. off their backs while they continued to pursue weapons of mass destruction.

The fact that we are still pursuing further "talks" with North Korea shows we are somewhat slow learners.