"The time has come for the United States to seize the diplomatic initiative and lead. While the malfeasance of the North Korean government has brought us to this impasse, it remains in the interest of the United States to initiate additional dialogue, even if prospects for its success are uncertain. Alternatively, to continue to maintain a reactive approach – such as placing unrealistic conditions on high-level contacts and other forms of meaningful engagement with the DPRK – cedes power to parties whose interests are not identical to our own. In particular, waiting for North Korea to take the next step leaves too much control in the hands of a regime that has insufficient self-confidence or incentive to denuclearize."