Both assertive and determined diplomacy with North Korea has not achieved any results. All efforts to be assertive in diplomacy have been viewed as threats to North Korea. At the same time, determined attempts at diplomacy have been viewed as a sign of weakness, this faintness has led North Koreans to believe they can threaten other countries for food and other rashons without any repercussions. However, after receiving the aid, North Korea would raise more threats in order to obtain more rations. This led former defense secretary, Robert Gates to assert that it is important “to not buy the same horse twice.” As a result, in 2009 President Obama adopted a policy