Kim backed off on the Guam talk.  With China actually applying the sanctions, and talking military with us, Kim's feeling the pressure that he's not going to get China to side with him.  

This isn't the 1950's anymore.  China has turned into an industrialized power, and they don't feel threatened like they did back in the 1950's when we were pushing hard against Communist governments, especially through the Cold War.  N. Korea is going beyond its usefulness to China.  They're a thorn in China's side.  

Should this continue going this direction (hoping Trump keeps his trap shut), the sanctions will have a real bite, and that's when Kim will have to negotiate.

Many countries meddle in our government.  Look up foreign lobbies.  You think countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, G.B., others don't have influence on our elections?  Please.  Nothing wrong with Assad.  It's his country, not ours.  In fact, we screwed up stability there.

Crimea?  How 'bout Iraq?  Sanctions for us? LOL...