ARTICLE: China may back coup against Kim, by Michael Sheridan, The Australian, October 16, 2006

Our diplomats heading to China speaking openly of the need for an East Asian NATO (WSJ today) and Chinese officials and policymakers are openly debating the utility of their own potentially leading role in toppling Kim from within.

Kim's rashness may be the best gift this administration receives in its time left. If China steps up, then the question becomes how fast and how well we reward them. Because what we do not give, when deserved, will be ultimately taken without further compensation. We want a start to a beautiful relationship here.

Once achieved, then we speak more openly of how our joint dialogue with Iran begins to tame that regime as well.

Then the real work begins...

Mr. President, you're getting some real opportunity here to end your time on something other than failure in Iraq, thanks to Chris Hill's determined effort, Bob Zoellick laying the groundwork, and China starting to punch at its weight. Don't look this gift horse in the mouth.

Ride it into your sunset.

Thanks to TM Lutas and Lexington Green for sending this to me and Brandon Winters for sending it to Sean.