“If the talks between the Koreas lead to substantial negotiations, it could undercut Mr. Trump’s threats of war while also lessening pressure on China to tighten sanctions further.” The NYT’s Choe Sang-Hun with some interesting analysis of Kim Jung-Un’s sudden decision to open talks with South Korea — talks that have already led to a joint decision to welcome a North Korean delegation to the Olympic Games. “Few said they believed that Mr. Kim was motivated by the Olympic spirit.”

+ BBC: North Korea’s cheerleading charm offensive. Sis! … Bah! (I’m purposely leaving the “boom!” out.)

+ The Trump admin’s “bloody nose” strategy to strike North Korea.