Trade deal with South Korea re-examined

In 2007, President George W. Bush negotiated a trade deal with South Korea that was widely lauded by Republicans but was opposed in Congress by Democrats and by union representatives. The deal would open up access for both countries' products, say the deal's supporters. They also point to the likelihood that it will create jobs in the US through more revenue opportunities for American cars and beef in Korea. President Obama has said that he would like to complete the deal by the end of the year, but some Democrats and union leaders are still apprehensive because of the perceived restrictions and unfair regulations that South Korea has on American goods. To the deal's proponents, the deal would not only open up trade and revenue gains in the short-run, but it will make an impact on the long term national security goals of South Korea and of East Asia as a whole.