Saturday, May 22, 2004

Kim Jong II is, without a doubt, the best extortionist on the planet. North Korea has agreed to return 13 Japanese it kidnapped in the 1970-1980 period and have held against their will ever since. These two countries were not at war. This is a simple criminal act. Jong only agreed to the return after Japan promised food and humanitarian aid.

This scenario plays over and over, as Jong commits illegal or belligerent acts, then gets paid to stop.

Sadly, there is little hope the humanitarian aid will reach the starving populace. Historically, Jong has diverted it to himself or the army while hundreds of thousands starve to death.

Notice, if you will, the absence of a prominent international body in this situation. Probably no money in it for them.

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