The Korean War began on 25 June 1950, and today still there is no peace treaty. This is a much bigger issue than a mere lack of a piece of paper, as the actions of North Korea and priorities and responses of South Korea have made headlines throughout the decades since. Why is the United States involved? What about China? Why can't this sad episode in Cold War history just go away? I address some of the relevant background issues related to the outbreak of the war, how it progressed in its early months, and why the armistice hasn't led to a meaningful, permanent resolution.

Suggested readings:

• A Short History of the Korean War, James Stokesbury - book; a good, readable history of the causes, development, and end of the war