I missed something REALLY important in the debate last night

[PotatoBoy]

The debate was fun to watch because Kerry totally blasted Bush out of the water. As far as substance goes, I didn't really pick up on anything new because I've been pretty caught up with both candidates' positions in the issues regarding Iraq. I always knew Kerry's standpoint with regards to the war, and I've known for a while that Bush is in it for the profits.

However, one thing in the debate struck me as extremely important... unfortunately, due once again to my political ignorance, I have no idea what they were talking about. :( The whole thing about bi-lateral vs. six-party talks with N Korea, China, etc... what was that all about?? I'd like to learn as much as possible about that. Anyone have any good links??

[K-W]

1. Explenation

Under Clinton, we had talks with North Korea, we negotiated certain conditions and we gave them things to keep them from developing nukes.

The Bush administration claimed that it was not working and N. Korea was in violation. So we cancelled our talks with them and asked China to take a larger role, basically to replace us.

Bush refuses to talk with North Korea bilatterally. He claims it would break down the multi party talks.

Kerry wants to continue involving China and others but also talk to North Korea just us and them and see what we have to do to restore monitering and get them to give up thier weapons program.

Bus is arguing that his way is better, Kerry is arguing that it is just an excuse to ignore North Korea and pass it off to China.

[obnoxiousdrunk]

2. The six party talks

which is going nowhere is what Chimpy wants. On the other Hand Kerry wants bi-lateral talks with the US which will be effective.

[Englander]

3. Here;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3643430.stm


Start readin'!!

[izzie]

4. It was big at the first as the plane was forced down

and with Gore they talked about China a lot. N. Korea has an A-bomb now I understand when it did not before. Asia does not seem to be interested to Bush and when he went over their he really insulted those people from what I read. We are also taking troops from Korea besides the interesting fact is Asia owns so much of us because we depend on them buying our debt.I guess that really does not answer your questions but it all sort of fits together.