By Noted journalist Bradley K. Martin who has written much about North Korea has written an interesting article in regards to the Laura Ling and Euna Lee case:
Perhaps it is useful first to contemplate the extent to which the two journalists might have brought this situation on themselves. Did they ignore the predictable effects of their actions on larger U.S. interests and on other individuals — who, on their account, may have gotten into far worse trouble than they are in themselves?
Consider, in other words, whether this was a case of reckless endangerment. [Global Post]
If these two did intentionally go into North Korea for the simple reason of getting better camera footage then yes they were reckless, however as I and others have been pointing out, the captured film footage may be the most reckless thing they did:
Further, assuming the North Korean authorities were able to use the women’s captured notes, their testimony and the contents of their camera and cell phones to identify opponents of the regime who had helped the reporters on the Chinese side of the river, those helpers could now be in grave peril from North Korean agents who are tasked with hunting them down. That’s the sort of thing conscientious journalists would not like to have on their consciences.
Martin makes many good points and he believes it should be up to Al Gore in a private capacity should go to Pyongyang to get these two released and not the US government. As I have said before, Al Gore has plenty of money from his global warming scaremongering to get these two released.
5:51 am on June 19th, 2009 1
I would normally be suspicious of anybody who holds a BS degree from the "University of North Korean Studies", let alone a professor.
Professor Yang Moo-jin is quoted today in an Abu Dhabi newspaper as saying the North Korean government has flip-flopped on Al Gore:
“The detention of the pair will likely become a long-term ordeal unless the US sends a special envoy,” said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.
“At first, North Koreans expressed that they liked Al Gore, but later they changed their mind. Now they want someone from the current Obama administration,” Mr Yang said.
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090619/FOREIG…
10:01 am on June 19th, 2009 2
Has CNN been covering this story from South Korea or China? I'd be interested in knowing if there's any local response there.
11:53 am on June 19th, 2009 3
CNN has a local correspondent in South Korea who has appeared on camera a couple times for this story, but it doesn't sound like she's aggressively trying to investigate anything truly groundbreaking. I don't think she has tried interviewing Pastor Chun Ki-won about the guide or tried contacting Euna Lee's parents. Maybe I should put those ideas in her head by writing them on her CNN blog, which doesn't mention this story at all:
http://inthefield.blogs.cnn.com/tag/sohn-jie-ae/
12:27 pm on June 19th, 2009 4
I would love to see a politician stand up personaly and put there life on the line for his or her countries interest. (they send others to do it all the time).
4:27 pm on June 19th, 2009 5
If by "politician" you are speaking of Big Al Gore, then I agree with you. But if you speak of others in the government I must disagree. This is Gore's doing. They work for him. This is his interest, not so much the country.
As for the, (they send others to do it all the time). Well duh. Everyone has a job. Some send and some are sent. In business, war, politics and auto garage shops. Some send and others are sent.
4:35 pm on June 19th, 2009 6
Oh, somehow I thought JOhn Voss might do a story. He always seems so smart.
3:34 am on June 21st, 2009 7
One thing's for sure…
…the whole "they would never cross the boarder" crowd has been getting increasingly quiet… followed by the "they would never intentionally cross the boarder" crowd.
And, despite a large initial push, the "they were kidnapped from China" crowd STFU some time ago.
Wait and see… the "they were young, foolish and inexperienced so kindly cut them a break" crowd will be the next one we hear from… followed by the "if you will let them go, this is what we will do for you" crowd.
Everybody knew what happened long ago… they just haven't thought of a good way to deal with it… because there isn't one, really.
Poor girls. They might be there for a long time… as nobody is in a Let's Give North Korea Something mood right now.
A point to ponder…
If Al Gore went to North Korea and offered financial or propaganda incentives in exchange for their release, how would everyone who was against the Koreans paying off the Taliban reconcile all this in their minds?
Just askin'.
9:34 am on June 21st, 2009 8
Thanks for as thoughtful response to pure bluster on my part. Yes, my comment was primarily directed toward Al Gore, and I can agree with you on that issue.
On the other hand what you say is also true that “well, duh. Everyone has a job. Some send and others are sent”. My anger(?) is having watched ‘politicians’ send troops to war and then turn their backs on them when the going gets tough. It is in that vein that I made the comment.
I have no respect for those ‘leaders’ who treat their employees with distain and disrespect be it in business, war, or an auto garage shop. I have seen it enough in and out of the military to know it occurs only too often. And my blood boils when I see ‘politicos’ doing it just so they can get reelected.
So in that regard, my comment stands.
8:43 am on January 1st, 2012 9
Rosa Manson
t@RosaManson1
or E-mail:rosamanson01@hotmail.com
In 2012, one is interested in opening up a discussion on ‘Knowledge Sharing’ as a form of a multiparty dialogue mechanism, as a facilitation capability in the form of a Liaison Unit related to the DPRK issues on ‘Knowledge Sharing’ and information sharing, joint coordination of activities, an improving coordination mechanism for Development Assistance through ‘Knowledge Sharing.’
I would be intereted in knowing your views on this, as I am looking into proposing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both the North Korean and Mogolian Ambassadors in London.
Look forward to hearing from your organisation in the near future, and thanking you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
Rosa Manson
10:31 pm on January 1st, 2012 10
Rosa Manson,
Your tentative proposal on the application of “Knowledge Sharing” as a proactive form of a progressive multiparty dialogue-stimulating mechanism is an excellent way to coordinate pan-national Development Assistance in the existing framework with the probability of positive carry-over to future implementations.
The anti-regressive facilitation capability of a multifaceted Liaison Unit related to concurrent DPRK issues should alleviate counter-opposition to interactive information sharing as well as a staged phasing-in of network-based activity coordination.
We all certainly support the formulation of a relevant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which specifically codifies an active and improved coordination mechanism, especially if it incorporates “Knowledge Sharing” as a fundamental basis for establishing new procedures and modifying existing protocols.
As most of this site’s esteemed readership promotes “Knowledge Sharing”, in both its static and dynamic forms, as an emerging mechanism, we are happy to be of assistance by cooperating in the formulation and activation of new policy as well as the modification and implementation of existing policy-based procedural algorithms.
If we can be of further assistance, please post further comments or requests and we will do our best to respond helfully.
11:39 pm on January 1st, 2012 11
When sharing knowledge, distinguish carefully between Bradley Martin and Bradley Manning.
12:35 am on January 2nd, 2012 12
I, for one, welcome the opportunity for increased dialog and “Knowledge Sharing” to better facilitate the sharing of information. I fully support your proposal for a (MOU) Memorandum of Understanding and can barley restrain myself until such a document is executed. Let us hope it is soon.
5:38 am on January 28th, 2012 13
Leon LaPorte
I here by send you a DRAFT copy of the MOU for your perusal, it is only a draft as there is a lot to consider with the Chinese, ROK, US and French elections in 2012.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Dated: 17th January 2012
1. Describing the situation of all parties involved and how they relate to each other.
2. What services each party contributes to the deal before, during and after the joint venture.
3. The purpose of MOU, is to identify the roles and responsibilites of each party as they relate to providing ‘Knowledge Sharing’ information cooperation related to issues of the DPRK.
4. All parties to participate in ‘Knowledge Sharing’ Multiparty Dialogue Mechanism. Including Strategies, Trade Policies, Economic Development, Aid Effectiveness, Health, Language Learning, Transport, Realisation of Humanitarianism and Brotherhood; Tumen River Cooperation; Agriculture; Finance; Joint Activities Cooperation; Joint Funded Operations; International/Food Security; Denuclearisation and Six Party Talks.
5. The ‘Knowledge Sharing’ programme is intended to open up discussions on Economic Development Assistance, to push forward to prevent armed conflict and establish lasting
peace in the Korean Peninsula.
6.To support all parties in conducting ‘Knowledge Sharing’ data and information on cooperation in their respective areas of expertise in their fields of work.
7. To allow ‘Knowledge Sharing’ ideas which are outlined within issues of the DPRK.
8. Understand the support efforts to North Korea among all participants including the North Korea Government Officials, and Tecnicians; Experts Local Residents and South Korean Supporting Groups.
9. Contribute to the development of a Development Assistance Model by seeking better ways to enhance the living standards of the North.
10. All parties should ensure that ‘Knowledge Sharing’ activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable Laws (Federal Laws, International Humanitarian Laws (IHL)), rules and regulations, including Civil Rights and other circulars governing cost issues.
11. Achieve Inter-korean Reconciliation and cooperation through wider ‘Knowledge Sharing’ activities.
12. Other activities include Policy Research, Providing Food Necessities in Emergency Aid, Development Support, Agricultural and Livestock Support; Helathcare and Medical Aid Support; Food Assistance for the Needy and the Most Vulnerable.
6:35 am on January 28th, 2012 14
After perusing the DRAFT copy of the MOU…
I propose a professional procedure to perpetuate a patient and persistent perusal to propagate a proper perspective on peripheral points prior to prominent publication.