The Guardian — North Korea releases US citizens Bae and Miller as Clapper flies in
In an unusual development, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence confirmed the release of the two Americans, rather than the State Department. The ODNI also said Bae and Miller were being accompanied back to the US by James Clapper, the director of national intelligence.…
An administration official told Reuters Clapper’s visit to North Korea was not connected to the issue of nuclear weapons, but said he did act as a presidential envoy.…
In September, Miller, a 24-year-old from California, was given a six-year sentence after being found guilty of entering the country illegally and committing “hostile acts” against the state. While at Pyongyang airport in April, he reportedly tore up his entrance visa and demanded asylym.
It was later reported that he had wanted to become “a second Snowden”, in a reference to the National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden, who was given asylum in Russia.
Diplomatic efforts to free both men had been ongoing. In a statement released on Saturday, the State Department said: “We are grateful to director of national intelligence Clapper, who engaged on behalf of the United States in discussions with DPRK authorities about the release of two citizens.
James Clapper?
9 comments:
He drew the short straw?
On the surface of it, it doesn't make sense.
Probably no one else there wanted to go Tom.... golfing outings, fundraisers, etc....
Not the way it works, Matt. This is really a head scratcher so far. In fact, Clapper is one of the least likely to be sent in terms of protocol.
Tom everyone there is just mailing it in these days.. you probably have more concern personally than anyone there ... these are not our best and brightest. ..
Rsp
No, Matt. This is a noticeable departure from protocol that only happens with sufficient reason. When the head of NSA gets involved with anything, it's a signal of something. The PR is that Clapper didn't go to negotiate anything. Does anyone really think that he just happened to be the guy that came to mind when Obama picked someone to go and take delivery in a high profile situation like this? If that is the case, then this government is more clueless than is possible to believe. Or it's a some kind of head fake.
Tom its like an 18 hour flight and it sucks.. then when you get there it is a shit hole. this is pulling shitty duty for Clapper
To get a couple of mixed up kids back... the NKs probably demanded someone cabinet level so they looked better. So Clapper had to take one for the team..
He's probably not really a Democrat so they didn't feel that bad making him go... if it was Hong Kong or Tokyo probably someone else might have taken it... rsp
Could be, Matt, but if that is the case, then the administration is really clueless sending the head of NSA when protocol calls for sending someone from State.
1) The guy wants to be another Snowden. Sending Clapper is like sending the cops. Hell of a message there.
2) N.K. wants to ameliorate some of the harsh criticisms from the human rights groups? Sending a spymaster-- code for we're watching you and we know better?
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