We are witness to an accelerating trajectory of events which may culminate with the loss of additional Korean and American lives on the Korean Peninsula as well as disorder in Northeast Asia.

Increased attention has focused on a range of North Korean actions deemed provocative by that country’s neighbors and the international community including nuclear tests and missile launches.

The United States and South Korea continue to insist that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program.

The North Koreans are pressing that the U.S. must first enter into a peace agreement.

While American officials maintain they are open to negotiations,