Published: August 07, 2009 10:06 am      

Clinton's surprise visit frees journalists

Opinion

Those who watch the odd antics of North Korea were kept busy this week.

It began with the surprising word that former President Bill Clinton was on his way to visit the reclusive communist country. Then came anonymous reports that Clinton was seeking the release of two American journalists jailed by the North Koreans.

Sure enough, that’s how it played out. After meeting with North Korean officials, including President Kim Jong Il, Clinton departed the country, with the two journalists in tow.

In many ways, this was similar to what has passed previously for diplomatic missions to North Korea, where a high-ranking U.S. official makes a stop to gain the release of people held by that government on trumped-up charges. But Clinton’s status as a former president puts him in a league by himself.

During Clinton’s presidency, the United States had relatively good relations with North Korea — at least as far as such things go. So perhaps it was no surprise government officials there welcomed him warmly. Accounts in the state-controlled media were respectful and subdued. That’s counter to the threats and rantings usually leveled at the United States and its officials.

But the same accounts said Clinton carried a message from President Obama and offered an apology on behalf of the American government regarding the behavior of the two journalists. When asked, Obama’s press secretary Robert Gibbs minced no words in declaring those accounts dead wrong.

So what does all of this mean?

Assessments vary, but there is every indication North Korea is seeking a more constructive dialogue with the U.S. It’s possible Kim and his minions think their most recent nuclear and missile tests put them in a position of bargaining strength. Or they may have gotten the message that these tests were more costly than they anticipated, with tough new international sanctions closing trading doors.

The North Korean regime probably cannot survive for long without the hard currency it obtains from its few trading partners. The government there has every reason to ease tensions — whether it fully grasps that fact or not.

Interestingly, this visit came on the heels of some tough talk from Clinton’s wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has been at the forefront of efforts to isolate North Korea in the world community after it renewed nuclear testing.

The secretary’s blunt words stung the Kim regime, which responded with personal insults aimed at the former first lady. That the government would turn around and welcome her husband is intriguing.

Where things go with North Korea from here is problematical. The good news, we suppose, is that this week’s diplomatic exchange shows that a dialogue is taking place at some level.

And it’s a relief to see the journalists back with their families. At least that’s a step in the right direction.