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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Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
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
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.