Sending former President Bill Clinton to obtain freedom of two American journalists held in North Korea was the right move by President Barack Obama.
Yes, it's galling that Clinton had to scrape and bow and deliver Obama's apology to Kim Jong Il. The North Korean dictator pardoned the journalists, sentenced to a labor camp. They returned to the United States with Clinton.
Nobody outside of North Korea will recognize the affair as anything other than a contrived photo opportunity for Kim and his communist regime. Some governments on the outs with the United States — Iran, for example — might use the scenario for their own political purposes, but Clinton's mission was important.
Kim got his photo-op. He was able to prance in front of his minions and the people as a powerful leader with international pull. Playing along may result in more productive negotiations concerning North Korea's nuclear arms program. It could also smooth the transition of power from the ailing, aging Kim to his son.
The world does not need violence in North Korea if a succession dispute becomes turbulent.
The United States got the journalists back. That's good, but the Obama administration should also chide them for their foolish acts. Although the way things turned out is reason for hope and Clinton's mission can be labeled a success, getting caught in North Korea put the United States in an untenable position.
Former Vice President Al Gore, who is technically the boss of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, should edify them on their error in judgment.
It is doubtful that any American feels more kindly disposed toward Kim and his repressive regime. We still abhor communism.
Perhaps something good, something long-term, has come from the incident. There will be more posturing. So far, though, the strategy is working, even if many Americans are dubious.
International politics can be a sorry game, but Bill Clinton knows the rules and President Obama played it well against the North Korean strongman.
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