July 5, 2009
Posted: July 5th, 2009 12:23 PM ET

(CNN) – There are signs that the international policy to isolate North Korea from its traditional allies is working, despite the Pyongyang regime's weekend firing of seven-short range missiles toward the Sea of Japan, Vice President Joe Biden says.

In an interview broadcast Sunday on the ABC program "This Week," Biden called efforts by the United States and others to forge a unified response to North Korea's potential nuclear threat "a significant turning in pressure."

He noted that a North Korean ship believed to be carrying weapons-related materials turned back toward North Korea when tracked by U.S. naval ships as part of U.N. sanctions recently approved by the Security Council.

"No port would take it," Biden said, citing the development as a sign of new international resolve demonstrated by China - the longtime ally and benefactor of North Korea - signing onto the Security Council resolution.

"We have succeeded in uniting the most ... critical countries to North Korea on a common path to isolating" Pyongyang, Biden said.

Continuing such pressure would force North Korea to make "difficult decisions" as it faces the rumored ill health of longtime leader Kim Jong Il, Biden said.

The Security Council sanctions included cutting off new grants, loans and export credits and barring shipments of weapons-related material.

Filed under: Joe Biden • North Korea


phoenix86   July 5th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

Yea, they are SO scared that they tested 11 missles just last week.

Evil is What Evil Does   July 5th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

The Vice Pres needs to be seen ... not heard.... be silent

Mike   July 5th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

Yes, just be quiet Joe. I've never known of any official whose mouth is as stink as Joe's.

Brandon   July 5th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

I believe "observer" down there should observe the definition of "tact" in the dictionary.

DC Observer   July 5th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

Obama should follw the exact same strategy with iran - ignore them; have no talks with them; just turn your back on them and the country will stage its own iprising and will oust the president and the supreme leader, so called.

ib   July 5th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

They have fired 11 missiles this weekend and Joe says Obama's plan is working. I would hate to see what would happen if Obama's plan failed. What a joke!!!!

the rightwing czar» Blog Archive » North Korea launches seven missiles on America’s birthday, Joe Biden says our isolation policy is working   July 5th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

[...] Remember when the Left was worried John McCain was too senile to be president? I guess there isn't an insanity test for vice president. [...]

lkb   July 5th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

Biden is an idiot and needs to be the absentee VP. Doesn't he realize that NK has been isolated so long it won't make any difference. They don't care how much the people suffer. It is time the dems realize, Bush is not at fault here and it won't matter how many time our acting pres apologtizes for past behavior. He just continues to look like another idiot and weaken the country.

Missing Name   July 5th, 2009 3:30 pm ET

Isolation and sanctions can only go so far. In order for this regime to fall, only war can work. North Korea is ignoring these sanctions, and is clearly asking for war, so we should give it to them. Their army is big but obsolite. Even though we are in the Middle East right now, we have enough troops at home that, as well as the strength of South Korea, could topple North Korea.

Ryan in FL   July 5th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

I'm sorry Mr. Vice President, but it doesn't matter what we or the UN does, that country is lead by a lunatic play-boy, who is starving his people and showing off half-decent rockets to get international support and respect. They will never listen unless we take serious action

Observant   July 5th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

I agree with observer...wiped them out and forget about it

Limbaugh is a liberal   July 5th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

And what has Bush Jr. done about NK for the past eight years? Nothing! You think he was tough because he inserted NK among the 'axis of evil' in speeches? Ha! In turn he has given them economic aid, and had no response when NK developed nuclear weapons on his watch! Oh, but that's okay because Bush Jr. talks tough, even though his failed policies allowed NK to develop nuclear weapons? Republicans are in no position to criticize Obama on NK, after the mess and the threat their beloved leader left behind!

Peter E   July 5th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Well, the Obama administration is sure following the Bush Jr. policies to the letter. They are trying to ignore NK, check! They are talking about the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine (while arming Israel to the teeth) check! They are kissing up to the Saudis and the Chinese, check!
I do wonder why liberals are so enthusiastic about him, and why conservatives are so upset. He hasn't changed one darn thing about foreign policy from the last administration! Even the Iraqi withdrawal was originally initiated by Bush Jr., and wasn't Obama's original idea.

Spike   July 5th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Well said "observer," mass murder of millions is definitely the way to deal with an uppity regime.

Brett from Oriskany   July 5th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

Thats right, nuke North Korea! Tick off China and Russia, shower Japan with radiation again, prove again to the world we are an aggressive war mongering nation. Might as well get Iran too while the missles are in the air.

DawnL,CA   July 5th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

Joe, I don't think the firing of 7 rockets show that isolation is working that well. Kim Jong ll is nuts. Maybe he wants some money & food to not fire rockets & the USA will be fool enough to give it to him AGAIN. Then he will go on his merry way.

Matt   July 5th, 2009 2:36 pm ET

Joe just shut up. What ever we give the North Koreans they will use for making a weapon. They starve their own people just so they can make weapons. There are a million other things the North Koreans could do for business. They choose to isolate themselves and make weapons.

chirpie   July 5th, 2009 2:34 pm ET

to Observer: Never wish for the mass death of many innocent people who don't know any better about the true situation they're in. It makes you look bad.

NK is truly odd. The government tells their citizens what kinds of GRASS is good to eat so those in power can save money for themselves. They teach school children that Kim Jong Il lives in the clouds on top of a mountain, and there are people who think the man shoots a perfect round of golf every time he plays. I wonder if "normal" rules even apply for a country like that.

At least China is doing the right thing in this regard.

Willy Brown   July 5th, 2009 2:28 pm ET

Biden why don't you visit N. Korea for about 3.5 years.

Lynette, SD   July 5th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

Good, the world is on track with stopping a nuclear bully from it's evil deeds.

eric   July 5th, 2009 2:23 pm ET

July 5th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Biden is an idiot! The only thing North Korea will ever, ever understand is a mushroom cloud over its capital! I remember the Korean War well and they were a brutal, savage, unreasoning opponent!
================================================
that's smart. a brutal response on millions of lives under one insane dictator. who's the savage?

PA Independent   July 5th, 2009 2:21 pm ET

NK will shut up as soon as two things happen: China tells them to OR ELSE, and the US refuses to pay them off – again – for a few years of good behavior. Without China their country would completely cease to exist, and without extortion money they are even more beholden to China.
Now, just hope the Chinese start and keep playing ball.

A   July 5th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

This guy amazes me. Our strategy is working?? So I guess we wanted them to have the bomb?

To all of you that voted for these idiots – I hope you are proud!! The democrats pork plan is working so well and Iran and NK have become nuclear. GOOD JOB!!!

Joe---it's not working....   July 5th, 2009 2:13 pm ET

Both N. Korea and Iran continue to mock Obama.....Obama's idle threats have made him a laughing stock in these and other countries....

fred   July 5th, 2009 2:11 pm ET

Did anyone read what Biden said about this administration misread how bad economy was? Or about not getting in Israel's way if they attack Iran? CNN PLEASE print a NEWS story that isn't TOALLY slanted in favor of Obama/Biden! Oh, and actually print just ONE of my posts! Stop censoring intelligent comments!!!

GIDDYUP   July 5th, 2009 2:10 pm ET

My grandfather was in the Korean war and would hardly speak of what
he encountered over there. As he was passing he would speak
here and there about it but over all he kept it to himself. Not
good what he did disclose to me. Keep an eye out.

MJH   July 5th, 2009 2:02 pm ET

I see Biden, in the same interview, gave Israel a green light to attack the Iranian nuclear facility. I assume the White Hose will shortly issue a statement saying the media misinterpreted Biden's latest gaffe. The man is an unmitigated disaster. I shutter to think he is only a step away from the presidency.

Alex (Aliso Viejo, Ca)   July 5th, 2009 1:56 pm ET

I absolutely agree with VP Biden. One weakness of America is we have a heart and spirit to always fight for what is right and what is good for democracy. Unfortunately, other countries who share the same views as ours have also been complacent because we always rush to save the day. On the other hand, anti-American countries has exploited this achilles heel to weaken and smear USA's reputation specially in recruiting young men to extremism. We should condemn the firing of the missiles of course, but U.N. and the surrounding countries (which are foremost to be affected) of NK should be the one acting like China and Russia. It is for their safety that they are fighting for anyway. USA giving support and close monitoring at the sidelines is all we have to do. Maximizing our resources and reputation with minimal direct engagement is always good. Besides, if NK fires at us, we are ready. So yes, vigilance is a necessary component at a crucial time such as this. Oh yeah, I do love a confused, broken Iran regime. A well-handled issue by P. Obama's administration. Congratulations.

former GOPer   July 5th, 2009 1:52 pm ET

For the love of God, shut up Biden. You know absolutely nothing about North Korea, and I agree with Observer – the only way they are going to quit saber-rattling is if we carpet bomb every government facility in North Korea. Launching missiles day after day into international waters is not acceptable behavior.

Daniel   July 5th, 2009 1:52 pm ET

Silly observer. This is already the first step of war, its called an embargo. America did the same thing to Japan prior to their entrance into WW2. The economic noose that this will cause will be far superior in suppressing the government because it doesn't have the threat of nuclear war. The government either complies with the golden straight jacket or fails to keep up technologically with the rest of the world. North Korea will figure it out eventually, or fall so far behind that it won't matter anymore.

Reality   July 5th, 2009 1:48 pm ET

Working? Has Joe turned on the TV? N Korea is launching on a daily basis! It wasn't until the pentagon all but forced Obama and Joe to pay attention and move some ships in position to protect Hawaii. Our current executive branch is more worried about photo ops than homeland security. Good thing Bush's military policies were so effective or Hawaii might not be here today.

Sick -n- Tired   July 5th, 2009 1:45 pm ET

All I can say about North Korea is " bombs away"! Thats a war I could support right there! They're bluff needs to be called!

beefy   July 5th, 2009 1:41 pm ET

if accurate, this is great news.

BH   July 5th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

Does Joe mean the policy of isolation begun in the Bush Administration? Or does having a new Administration mean the same policy is now ok?

Obama is the safest President in history thanks to the dope he picked to be a heartbeat away.

Johnny DC   July 5th, 2009 1:31 pm ET

Hahahahahahahahaha. Working? They're testing and retesting and redesigning weapons at a record pace.

Good observation, Mr. Vice President. Just pray it takes them more than 8 years to figure out what they want to do with them, so you can blame the next GOP President.

barry in las vegas   July 5th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

And the MSM called Sara Palin dumb. This guy is beyond dumb – he's stupid.

North Korea is laughing at Obama and his policies against NK – but I forgot – if we just talk nice to them – they will come around.

How many missles have the shot off?

Zero.   July 5th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

Another do nothing. Done nothing but talk. Nothing! Absolutly nothing has changed since they took office.

Ed in Iowa   July 5th, 2009 1:21 pm ET

The North Korean regime is like a spoiled brat who has learned that every time they throw a fit, they get some kind of treat to settle them down. And now, with Kim Jong Il about to croak, he's trying to do it again. What treat does he want this time? The guarantee that his son will succeed him and not be deposed or killed. He's trying to show strength. But we've got a new, smarter, stricter "decider" who isn't going to spoil the NK brat anymore. This is good, because now when Kim Jong Il dies, his son will not sit long on the throne. Let's hope there is a revolution, or at least a derious moderation, when the new government takes over. Until then, we can wait them out. No need to attack them to create regime change, the spectre of Death is already on his way to achieve that goal. The administration is doing the right thing – making sure they can't build a nuke while we wait for Kim Jong to drop dead.

BUTTACAVOLI   July 5th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

NK is making an idiot out of our make believe president. I bet in 2012 he won't get all the support from the american people.

I hand out crying towels for republicans daily   July 5th, 2009 1:14 pm ET

Thanks Joe, for your insight.@TCM.Tell us all about your 20yrs as a war hero story again.You must have been in the Civil War too.hahaha

thetruth   July 5th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

Another point that is lost, is that while the U.S. and John McCain are claiming that the NK ship is carrying illegal arms, it could have been an elaborate rouse–meant to humiliate the U.S. gvnmt. What if the ship was empty, or had no banned cargo on board. Here we would be–if we listened to John McCain–having boarded & searched the ship at sea...and we would've ended up looking like fools. Just another case of faulty American intelligence–you remember those...like WMD's in Iraq. The NK gvnmt would like nothing better than to discredit & embarrass the U.S. gvnmt in a game of chicken. We have to play it cool with NK and call their bluff. This weekend they fired short range rockets which didn't even come close to reaching Hawaii. I like Obama's cool & collected approach. Remember people NK would like nothing more than to start WWIII–which would involve at least 5 players from the 6-party members. We need to keep our heads about us.

Jim in Asheville   July 5th, 2009 1:05 pm ET

Senator Biden's foreign policy record, going back to the 1980s, is pretty dismal. He often demonstrates a lack of understanding about complex international issues. Remember his recent plan to divide Iraq into thirds? I'm not sure if his pronouncements concerning North Korea carry much weight. What makes this awkward is that many consider foreign policy to be his strength.

I'm still trying to figure out how Obama's Iraq and Afghanistan policies are significantly different than the previous administration's. The campaign rhetoric disappeared pretty quickly when reality set in.

Andrew   July 5th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

North Korea will never attack the United States now that they have lost all their support lines. They know full well that being the instigator in a war would give the US full right to drop the all-mighty hammer of the US military on them.

We just need to make sure that we don't get duped into firing the first shot because of hot heads that think offense is the greatest defense.

RR   July 5th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

so this policy works with N. Korea, but not with Iran?

What's the difference?

Legna   July 5th, 2009 12:56 pm ET

Yep! Isolation of Korea is making us look like a bunch of idiots. We and the UN set sanctions and nice July 4th fireworks from N.Korea. We also got proliferation of nuclear weapons. Got ships of weapons we follow and do nothing, what more could Biden ask for? Oh!!!!! don't forget Russia has a new weapon....OBAMA... Just give him a lump of sugar and make him look good so U.S. will keep him as president. This n itself will b better than a nuclear weapon because Obama and his Congress will implode our economy,end all manufacturing,eliminate missle defense, reduce nucleur weapons, and etc. What a great weapon for Russia but OBOMBA!!!!

observer   July 5th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Biden is an idiot! The only thing North Korea will ever, ever understand is a mushroom cloud over its capital! I remember the Korean War well and they were a brutal, savage, unreasoning opponent!

Ken in NC   July 5th, 2009 12:33 pm ET

Just be quiet Joe.

Sniffit   July 5th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

Joe, just tell NK that Bush is no longer president. That will get them to stop firing missiles.

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