Executive Director, Mansfield Foundation
Executive Director of the Mansfield Foundation, which promotes cooperation between the US and Asia
PROFILE
L. Gordon Flake
Guest
FROM L. Gordon Flake
Which Way, L.A.?
The Latest Crisis with North Korea North Korea has seized the world's attention with a new reactor, a new plant for enriching uranium and an artillery attack killing two South Korean civilians. In response, the US will hold joint military exercises with South Korea, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier strike group. North Korea's provocations could constitute a demand for renewed diplomacy or a show of power by an untested new leader. What about China? What are the implications for American policy?
To the Point
The Latest Crisis with North Korea North Korea has seized the world's attention with a new reactor, a new plant for enriching uranium and an artillery attack killing two South Korean civilians. As a first response, the US will hold joint military exercises with South Korea, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier strike group. North Korea's provocations could constitute a demand for renewed diplomacy or a show of power by an untested new leader. Old hands see familiar patterns, but they still disagree. What about China? What are the implications for American policy — past, present and future?
To the Point
South Korean President in Lockstep with President Obama At the White House today, with South Korea's President Lee Myung-Bak at his side, Barack Obama said North Korea's past behavior won't work again. Previously, he said, belligerence has been rewarded after a time with food, fuel and loans. The President signals the intention to end to that pattern, a "message" that comes from the US, South Korea, Japan, China, Russia and the UN Security Council. Gordon Flake is Executive Director of the Mansfield Foundation.
Which Way, L.A.?
Are US Journalists Being Used as Pawns by North Korea? North Korea has sentenced two American television reporters to twelve years in a prison labor camp, prompting an international outcry. The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee have asked the government of North Korea to show compassion and the US is working for their release, but Pyongyang hasn't shown any signs recently of backing down in its dealings with the West. North Korean nuclear tests and missile firings have increased tensions in the region. What options does President Obama have in dealing with a country that George Bush designated as part of the Axis of Evil? With a new leader in the wings, how are internal issues driving North Korea's actions on the global stage?
To the Point
Are US Journalists Being Used as Pawns by North Korea? North Korea has sentenced two American television reporters to twelve years in a prison labor camp, prompting an international outcry. The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee have asked the government of North Korea to show compassion and the US is working for their release, but Pyongyang hasn't shown any signs recently of backing down in its dealings with the West. North Korean nuclear tests and missile firings have increased tensions in the region. What options does President Obama have in dealing with a country that George Bush designated as part of the Axis of Evil? With a new leader in the wings, how are internal issues driving North Korea's actions on the global stage?
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To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.