The Guardian view on Donald Trump´s Korean diplomacy: progress without purpose | Editorial
(The Guardian North Korea)

The revelation of face-to-face talks between Kim Jong-un and Mike Pompeo shows that things are changing, but it doesn´t prove that Trump´s way is workingOne function of Donald Trump´s swagger is to give cover to his retreats. It is not the US president´s style to admit that he compromises. He professes a zero-sum world view, where concession is weakness. Yet, in relations with North Korea, Mr Trump has promised the country´s dictatorial leader, Kim Jong-un, a gift - the status boost of a summit meeting - while receiving nothing in return.The seriousness of White House intent regarding the encounter was confirmed this week by news that Mike Pompeo, the current CIA director and Mr Trump´s nominee for secretary of state, held secret face-to-face talks with Mr Kim over Easter. That is the highest-level bilateral contact since Madeleine Albright, Bill Clinton´s secretary of state, travelled to Pyongyang in 2000. Related: North Korea: Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong-un over Easter, Trump confirms Continue reading...