South Korea Calls for Wartime Operational Control Amid Trump Statements
Is transferring wartime control to South Korea long overdue sovereignty or dangerous recklessness in a volatile region?
Above: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Korean Liberation Day in Seoul on Aug. 15. Image credit: Lee Jin-man//AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
South Korea's dependence on U.S. wartime command could be considered a relic of an arrangement that treats a modern, capable military like a subordinate — but nevertheless, the historic U.S.-South Korea relationship is dangerously strained due to Trump's reckless comments.
Pro-Trump narrative
Rushing wartime operational control transfer to South Korea is pride-driven recklessness in response to President Trump's strategic adjustments. South Korea needs to get on the same page as the Trump administration, and fast.
