Kim Jong Un surprises with savvy power plays
It seems as if Western diplomats and experts are impressed (and stunned) at Kim's diplomatic savvy. I am not sure - he was educated in the West and is likely highly intelligent. Add in self- confidence and you are on your way.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s maneuvers on the international stage over the last few months have shocked some for their savviness.
Kim sent his sister on a charm offensive during the Winter Olympics, cracked jokes when meeting with South Korea’s president and knocked President Trump off balance this week by throwing a kink into their planned nuclear summit.
“It’s quite remarkable,” said Robert Manning, a senior fellow the Atlantic Council. “He’s been there for, what, five years, and the only person he’s hung out with is Dennis Rodman, and suddenly he’s this great statesman.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also appeared impressed with Kim after twice meeting him in person, saying that their conversations were “warm” and that Kim “shares the objectives of the American people.”
“Mike Pompeo is not a softy, and he seemed to be impressed,” Manning said.
“My South Korean friends had a positive reviews, too,” Manning added. “They were saying, ‘He’s just a normal guy, he likes rock music.’ … He’s proven to be very skillful, and I think people really underestimated him.”
Still, Manning and Cheng both noted Kim went to school in Switzerland, meaning his prowess isn’t entirely shocking; he knows how the Western world works.
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Originally Posted by texan
