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Bush Pulls About-Face on North Korea

Offers normal ties to former 'axis of evil' player for nuke secrets

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 7, 2007 4:31 AM CST

(Newser) – In a sharp reversal from the days when he labeled North Korea part of the "axis of evil," President Bush has sent a letter to Kim Jong Il saying that if the dictator reveals the details of his nuclear program by the end of the year, the US might normalize relations with his country. The letter is the president's first ever to Kim Jong Il.

The White House attempted to downplay the importance of the letter, which an official called a mere "reminder" that North Korea has already pledged to turn over the information by the end of the month. Still, the approach marks a dramatic change. The US attitude used to be that "you don't talk to evil, you end it," said one expert.

President Bush listens to a reporters question during his news conference, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, in the Brady Press Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) (Associated Press)

President Bush gestures during his news conference at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (Associated Press)

President Bush rubs his forehead as he takes questions during his news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Associated Press)

Talks Come To Halt Over North Korea's Nuclear Programs (Getty Images)

Anti-North Korean protesters shout slogans during an anti-North Korea rally against North Korean spy chief Kim Yang Gon's visiting and two Koreas Defense Minister's meeting, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday,... (Associated Press)

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, left, shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il after exchanging a joint declaration documents in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/... (Associated Press)

Kim Jong Il, center. (Getty Images)

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Bush Pulls About-Face on North Korea

Offers normal ties to former 'axis of evil' player for nuke secrets

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