Bill Clinton met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on Tuesday in hopes of helping two American journalists get released. Many feel this is a good sign not only for the journalists but in general for relations between the US and North Korea:

“The high-level meeting, along with welcoming gestures from the regime, added to speculation among analysts in Seoul that North Korea, after months of raising tensions and hostile rhetoric towards Washington, may be ready to return to dialogue with Washington.

That notion was reinforced by North Korea’s Central TV, which reported that Mr. Kim and Mr. Clinton “exchanged a broad range of opinions on issues of mutual interest.” Tensions have been high since a nuclear test by the North on May 25 and the subsequent American-led effort to impose international sanctions against the North.” [NYT]

I can’t help but hope this is true as I want our journalists to come home safe and also because we actually have a President who is willing to engage in diplomacy.  If things can happen peacefully between nations this is the time to make it happen!

Also, below is TakePart’s recent coverage of the imprisoned journalists and North Korea in general - give a read!

-North Korea May be Considering Release of American Journalists

-Two Asian American Journalists to Stand Trial in North Korea Tomorrow

-Vigils Across America for Reporters Imprisoned in North Korea

-John Kerry Pushes North Korea for the Release of US Reporters

-North Korea Ramps Up Rhetoric Following Nuclear Weapons Testing …

*photo by World Economic Forum (CC)