Ling, Lee In North Korea Expected To Be Used As Diplomatic Bargaining Chips

Washington Post:

The day after North Korea riled up the world by exploding its second nuclear device, authorities in Pyongyang did something surprisingly thoughtful.

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[vasta]

I hope these ladies are returned home safely. It was heartbreaking watching the families on Larry King.

[mergina]

Pay him with Funny Money to get them out.

[Khirad]

This is gonna sound cruel, but if my sister had disguised herself to shoot an exposé documentary on North Korea (which was really good btw), I wouldn't step an inch across the DMZ. Same goes for that google map guy who wants to return after exposing mass grave sites, etc. I just want to know what's going on inside their heads. You can only press your luck so much. You became their perfect leverage amid their most recent provocations. Not only were they in the wrong place, they picked the wrong time -- that's the one thing they couldn't have foreseen. I hope for their safe release all the same, of course.

That four minute phone call was a message. They've thrown their tantrum and now they want ice cream.

[Jazz88105]

This is not news I said this is what North Korea wanted and would do a week ago.

[We-Are-The-Ones]

According to one of the famiies, one of the women said: "the only way that she may be able to get released is if our two countries communicat­e."

It is sad to say, but I cannot see how these women can be saved. There is simply too much at risk. The US will not give into direct talks nor should it. At best, all No. Korea can do is come back to the 6-party talks, which it refuses to do. If No. Korea convicts these two women the chances of any diplomacy will be destroyed.