Despite the call by both China and Russia to restart the stalled (read: deceased) Six-Party Talks, it should be pointed out that those talks have an overwhelming burden of baggage associated with them that would most likely prevent anything of value coming from them, even if they could be resurrected.

Talks involving all regional players – including the U.S. – are indeed desperately needed, but for them to be effective, a new sponsor is required and neutral ground would work best – perhaps Europe. But there is something the United States needs to fully comprehend going into such talks.