Why the United States is Reacting Quietly to N. Korea’s Provocations

The United States does not want to negotiate directly with North Korea; it has stated again and again that its partners in the region – particularly Japan, South Korea, and China – should be involved in any talks. Even in the face of military provocations such as last weekend's tailing of a US surveillance plane by North Korean fighter jets, says Howard LaFranchi. "By appearing to disregard a series of ever-escalating actions by Pyongyang," he writes, "the US may hope to alarm its allies and partners in the region to become more involved themselves in the North Korean problem. That would help bridge the gap between those who want the US to enter direct talks with the North - something the US wants to avoid - and the US view that Seoul, Beijing, and Tokyo must be part of any resolution." But whether North Korea will raise the ante too far, and actually produce a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States, is a continued risk with this strategy. – YaleGlobal