In North Korea, Clinton Helped Unveil A Mystery

Photo: Bill Clinton and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, in Pyongyang on Aug. 4. KCNA, via Reuters

From The New York Times:

WASHINGTON — The visit was arranged under a veil of secrecy with the help of an unlikely broker: a high-level American intelligence officer who spent much of his career trying to unlock the mysteries of North Korea.

When former President Bill Clinton landed in Pyongyang on Aug. 4 to win the release of two imprisoned American journalists, senior officials said he met an unexpectedly spry North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, who welcomed him with a long dinner that night, even proposing to stay up afterward.

Mr. Kim was flanked by two longtime aides, and he gave no hint that North Korea was in the throes of a succession struggle, despite the widespread questions over how long he might live.

Read more ....

More News On North Korea

Obama talks to Bill Clinton about N. Korea mission -- AP
Obama thanks Bill Clinton for North Korea mission -- Reuters
Secy Clinton Says Husband's Trip Provided a Window into North Korea -- ABC News
Bill Clinton surprised by 'spry' NKorea leader -- AFP
Clinton briefs Obama on trip to North Korea -- Globe And Mail
Clinton Visit Highlights Doubts About Kim Jong-Il’s Health -- Wall Street Journal
Secretary Clinton Comments On North Korea -- Real Clear Politics
North Korea to send envoys to Kim funeral -- Christian Science Monitor
Pyongyang to send delegation to Kim funeral -- Financial Times
North Korean Diplomats to Meet With Bill Richardson -- Washington Post
North Korean envoys, Richardson to meet -- CNN
North Korean diplomats to meet US Governor Bill Richardson -- Times Online

My Comment: I am super skeptical on all issues that are North Korean ..... but we should still keep the door open for contacts and discussions. I also strongly believe that we should always coordinate our actions with the South Koreans. The South Koreans understand Kim Jong-Il very well .... and it will ultimately fall onto their laps on what needs to be done to get North Korea around the bargaining table for discussions of peace, nuclear proliferation, and (ultimately) reunification.