In his letter to Kim Jong-un, President Trump left the door open to meet in the future, and North Korea responded by leaving the door open as well.

North Korea studies the U.S. intensely and will want to avoid the challenges the Iran deal faced, and the shortcomings of its own experiences with the United States.

In what is being hailed as a significant step by the United States and South Korea, North Korea has announced that it has suspended missile tests and will shut down its nuclear test site. While seemingly an important step towards denuclearization, the move by North Korea only affirms prior statements by the regime.

While there is an argument that the U.S. strike on Syria will deter it, in reality the strike is likely to have little impact on North Korea’s calculus.

North Korea has remained silent on the invitation and the decision to have a summit meeting. This has led to speculation about North Korea’s true intent.

If Trump’s decision to meet with Kim was unexpected, Xi’s desire to meet with Kim prior to his summit meetings with Trump shouldn’t come as a surprise.