Talking with South Koreans the day before the summit, people were optimistic. The only real doubts expresses were whether or not the South could break away from US pressure which they understood was using North Korea as a pretext to have bases near China. This is something often said by the US public as well but never mentioned once on main stream media or by government officials. Officially the US doesn’t even acknowledge Taiwan as an independent country. The level of ridiculousness that only governments could pretend to hold under the one China policy shows just how far bullying can go directly in the face of a common sense reality. Common sense seems to be winning another battle today 4/27/18. Kim Jong Un stepped onto South Korea soil today the first North Korean to legally do so in 65 years and then president Moon stepped onto North Korean soil while holding Kim’s hand.

Denuclearization is happening. If sunshine II is like the first round back with the 6 members talks which failed because of the US and Japan, then the deal would be to denuclearize in steps with rewards for each step taken being made via economic relief and cooperation.  Window dressing moves have already been made. The South took down its loud speakers. Select overtures in sports and pop music performances have been allowed. A peace Treaty would have been signed already since the two parties mainly involved, North and South Korea have already agreed on it. The issue is that the armistice agreement currently implemented, also includes signatories from the US and China.  The Koreas cannot declare peace on their own.

Will there be a connecting rail line? Will there be prison releases? Will we see travel restrictions lifted? Are there going to be more cooperative economic ventures? Can South Korea make an appeal to sanction relief even in steps? And lastly the big question, will the US stop the foal eagle exercises and finally can their be unification, which would mean US bases leaving South Korea. Details are trickling in by the hour. Stay tuned.

Ryan Dawson