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United States policy toward North Korea in recent decades emphasized satisfying the regime in Pyongyang’s desire for legitimacy and respect, in the hope that this would lead to concessions on the nuclear issue. This approach has failed.

Unfortunately, the president who was elected to office on promises of “hope” and “change” seems destined to stick with the same failed policies of his predecessors. Former President Bill Clinton’s arrival Tuesday in North Korea further illustrates that the Obama administration remains wedded to an approach that legitimizes a dishonest regime that makes and breaks agreements at will.

Since President Barack Obama entered office, North Korea has tested a nuclear device, fired a long-range missile...