The screws, as you put it, are only effective if their is broad based support for sanctions; the US, alone, is relatively powerless to seriously affect the economy of NK since there is no trade at all between the two nations; short of a naval blockade, there is nothing the US alone can do; that is why the US had to go to the UN and ask for the imposition of more stringent sanctions. It is notable, in the current appeal for stringent sanctions, China did not exercise its veto power, something it has often done in the past; if China had not cooperated with the new sanctions appeal, and, as importantly, actually participated in their imposition, all the US would have had left is bellicose saber rattling and chest thumping and NK would have just merrily gone on its own path. Using the analogy of a bar fight again, one thing I have learned is the biggest threat in a bar comes not from the guys being loudly belligerent (sound and fury signifying nothing), but, most often from the taciturn guy at the end of the bar: he's more likely to be dangerous because he doesn't have to advertise his skills; he has the confidence of his abilities and has no need for needless embellishments. Trump and Kim are the loudmouths the bouncers will have to eventually throw out; China is more like one of those guys of which the bouncers and bartenders are wary...
Remember Teddy Roosevelt: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."...
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