Obama has been the target of lots of criticism for his oft stated willingness to engage in direct dialogue with our enemies abroad where the opportunity to do so exists. The utility of this approach may well be demonstrated by the North Korean situation.
The US's messaging to North Korea and the international community since the Obama administration came to power has been that it is willing to talk with the North Korean regime. At this moment when the North Korean's are provoking strong reactions from Japan, China, Russia and their neighbor South Korea, one arguement has been removed from North Korea and the international community for delay or inaction. No one can now argue that US policy is at fault for the intransigence of the North Korean regime.
