NOTE: Before answering the questions, read the “Background” below.

1. What had the North Korean regime promised regarding its nuclear weapons before the date and place were set for the historic meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong Un?

2. For what reason did North Korea pull out of the talks with South Korea scheduled for Wednesday and threaten to cancel Kim Jong Un’s June 12 meeting with President Trump?

3. a) Define the idioms ‘threw a monkey wrench into it’ and ‘up the ante’ as used in paragraphs 8 and 10.
b) For what other reason did Pyongyang threaten to pull out of the June 12 summit?

4. What do analysts suggest North Korea’s motive is for reversing their offer to denuclearize?

5. The Trump administration persuaded the UN Security Council in September to unanimously agree to impose strict economic sanctions on North Korea. The sanctions hurt North Korea’s economy, which is why some analysts believe that Kim Jong Un agreed to negotiate and say he would denuclearize.  Now Kim has changed his tune. It is possible that South Korea and China have eased sanctions prior to any action by the North--based only on what Kim Jong Un has said he would do.

When asked about strategy going forward, White House spokesman Sanders said the model that would be followed in dealing with North Korea was “the President Trump model,” explaining, “he’s going to run this the way he sees fit. We’re 100 percent confident...he’s the best negotiator.”

President Trump has gotten things this far - North Korea released our 3 American hostages and Kim met with South Korea and agreed to end the hostilities (in place since the Korean War ended in 1955).

a) Do you think President Trump will successfully persuade/force North Korea to denuclearize, or will Kim win? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.