The only American ambassador to South Korea ever to command all American forces in the Pacific and Indian Oceans has tough advice for wishful thinkers who may fantasize about a deal for reconciliation with North Korea.

Absolutely fuhgeddaboudit was the sum and substance of a retired four-star admiral, Harry Harris, as North Korea renews fire-and-brimstone threats against Seoul and Washington, claiming its enemies had sent drones over Pyongyang.