Clinton frees US journalists from N Korea

The former US President Bill Clinton got the North Korean government to free two journalists who were jailed. Clinton was in North Korea on Tuesday where he met with dictator Kim Jong iI.

It was a dramatic home coming for the two American journalists who were imprisoned in North Korea for the last five months.

The man who rescued them- former President Bill Clinton - who held a long meeting with the reclusive North Korean dictator Kim Jong il.

The journalists were sentenced to 12 years hard labour after being arrested in March for straying into North Korea while they were reporting on the Chinese-North Korean border.

Clinton's negotiating coup comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and Pyongyang over North Korea's nuclear program.

This is Clinton's first diplomatic achievement for the Obama administration since he was roundly criticized by many in Obama's team for his role in the 2008 presidential race.

Clinton's political legacy took a setback when he was accused of being out of touch and racially insensitive.

Now a year later, Clinton won plaudits from all sides especially the media.

Heading: US media on Bill Clinton

• Matt Gurney: Bill Clinton in North Korea - the right man for the job
  Source - The National Post
• Clinton's role: Heroic
  Source: Chris Matthews on Hardball

Because North Korea desperately wants recognition from the United States, critics argue that the meeting with the world famous former President was a huge propaganda coup for the North Korean regime.

Although the White House had described the trip as a private one, experts say he is unlikely to have undertaken it without out the blessings of President Barack Obama or the State Department - which his wife heads.

However, one thing is for certain, it marks Bill Clinton's return to a familiar role - a role he is most comfortable with - that of world statesman.