Talking

I saw the other day where the government of South Korea has offered to sit down and talk with representatives of the government of North Korea. If this actually happens, it will be the first time since 2014 that reps from these countries will have done this. Great news. Right? Maybe. Before any chest bumps or high-fives are passed around, let's see what the North Koreans say. Given the unpredictability of their current regime, anything is possible. After all, this is the same government that is striving to gain a seat at the table where countries with nuclear capability sit at the expense of its people.

Make no mistake. Talking is a good thing even though it does not guarantee success or mutual satisfaction on the part of either party. When representatives of opposing sides sit down to interaction, it usually means they are not fighting. It also suggests they are open to identifying and embracing some type of understanding or agreement. Again, this is good. In the case of North and South Korea, the two countries have been split for over 60 years - the result of what is often referred to as the Korean War. This conflict, you may recall, never did end in any kind of peace accord. Rather, the two sides settled on a cease fire that has been in-place all these many years.  

Talking is an act we all do. At times, we do it well and at other times we do not. Further, at times it does not lead to reconciliation but, instead, only leads to greater friction between the various parties. This is always unfortunate. For parties to have a successful talk, it does not mean they have to like each other or suddenly want to begin hanging out together. It signifies an acknowledgement that they will be working to build on points or areas which they have in common. More to the point, this will be done in-place of any open hostile actions. Whether it is North and South Korea or even a couple that is at loggerheads, talking has great potential.