Reversed Psychology: Bill Clinton In North Korea
SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea welcomed former President Bill Clinton to Pyongyang with flowers and hearty handshakes Tuesday as he arrived in the communist nation on a surprise mission to bring home two jailed American journalists.Clinton landed in the North Korean capital in an unmarked jet. On arrival he shook hands with Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan and the deputy speaker of parliament. Footage from television news agency APTN showed Clinton bowing and smiling as a young girl presented him with flowers...
"This is a very potentially rewarding trip. Not only is it likely to resolve the case of the two American journalists detained in North Korea for many months, but it could be a very significant opening and breaking this downward cycle of tension and recrimination between the U.S. and North Korea," Mike Chinoy, author of "Meltdown: The Inside Story of the North Korean Nuclear Crisis," said in Beijing.
I mentioned awhile back that perhaps we should use a little reversed psychology, that we should show North Korea and Iran a little 'respect' and maybe, just maybe, they will want to be a part of the rest of the world.
With all my heart I pray that former President Bill Clinton's appearance in North Korea can bring some sort of agreement between North Korea and the U.S. along with the rest of the world.
I agree wholeheartedly. But I have to wonder how the rest of the world views Bill doing Hillary's job. Personally I think it is great that we have a two-fer, but will it undermine Hillary's authority in future meetings with other leaders? Will leaders of other countries want the same consideration? Hmmmm
August 4, 2009 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Umm you may want to rethink. Can you name a time since the Korean war when we have sent a SoS to Korea? Remember we have no formal diplomatic ties. Each time we have sent an envoy to NK it has been a high profile civilian. It has never been and won't be a high level cabinet member until we do start having diplomatic ties or get down to serious negotiations. This in no way undermines Hillary or is it Bill doing her job.
August 4, 2009 11:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree jsfox. Sending Bill gives just the right amount of respect that might work. He's an ex president like Carter is. Yet he has no authority with the current administration - leaving Obama/Hillary the right to deny any claims NK makes if need be.
August 4, 2009 11:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with both you and jsfox on the NK standpoint. Where I differ is the thought that Bill is just like Carter. There is a big difference. Carter can claim with all authority that he has no ties to the US Administration whatsoever. BC cannot make the same claim. He is the husband of the SOS and that carries with it some perceived US authority that can potentially undermine both Hillary's and ultimately Obama's standing on the world stage.
I don't want to be a wet blanket here, because it is really cool of BC to try and get those hostages released. All the power to him.
August 4, 2009 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Umm Madge, Bill's not doing Hillary's job. At the same time Hillary is heading to Africa to work on issues of development, providing aid to the Somali government. She's pressing Iran on those American hikers. Bill's doing the job of Former President Carter who also served as an unofficial mediary.
August 4, 2009 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
While I still am not Bill's biggest fan (nor his biggest detractor!), I do think his visiting NK is very cool and hope he continues on in the vein of Carter, speaking to the US's "undesirables" that we really need to be speaking with.
August 4, 2009 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
While the case of the reporters is a good excuse to go, it is probably more important to get some reading of the political situation in North Korea. By sending Bill, a face-to-face meeting with Kim Jong-il was assured. I'm not sure whether he has met third-son and heir apparent.
August 4, 2009 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Glad to see your psychology has been reversed about Bill Clinton, coonsey.
August 4, 2009 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I will never change my opinion of the way Bill and Hillary ran their campaign...sorry to disappoint ya.
I am smart enough to know however, how much his presence would mean to a place like NK or IRAN.
Don't forget, until the campaign, I supported Bill Clinton 100% (thought he was stupid for doing what he did with Monica but didn't think it was impeachable offense).
August 4, 2009 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
And of course he's doing this with Obama's blessing, spoken or unspoken. The master craftsman uses the right tools for the job.
August 4, 2009 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup! You know it had to be Obama or his team's idea because Bill Clinton never visited NK while in office and he had the same problems back then. Not saying he wouldn't have if given the opportunity; but you never say Carter or Bush the 1st being asked to go visit them.
August 4, 2009 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Correction: Carter DID go to NK in 94. I apologize.
August 4, 2009 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
IT WORKED! He's gotten the girls released! YAHOO!
August 4, 2009 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, just left Wendy Davs' blog. It worked.
And now there is some OPEN communication. Condi was attempting to do some of this at the end when dickyc hid out in his dungeon.
But we are witnessing a real change in foreign relations. There is a real team of great people working out there.
It is nice to feel joy once in awhile.
August 4, 2009 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
As Lawrence Welk used to say, Wunnerful a Wunnerful Turn ON the Bubble Machine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0TSDcPW2Kk
August 4, 2009 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink