Mr. Kim's Scam?

A sobering reminder to those (including myself) with rising expectations whenever NK discusses "engagement." North Korea has perfected its gamesmenship over three US presidents now. As the Post editorial writes, the scam goes something like this:

Pyongyang raises tension by firing off missiles, ejecting inspectors from its nuclear facilities, testing bombs and promising to produce more. Then it turns conciliatory, suggesting it might be willing to freeze its nuclear program and even begin to dismantle it in exchange for economic and political concessions. Next it begins talks, collecting as much in cash and diplomatic recognition as it can from Washington and its Asian allies. Finally, it breaks off the process before it has taken any irreversible step to give up its weapons or the means to produce them.