Analysis: Bill Clinton as a diplomatic fix-it man
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It was a heartwarming sight: Laura Ling and Euna Lee landing on U.S. soil and being reunited with their families. Then, after an appropriate amount of time for hugs and kisses, Bill Clinton appeared, descending from his movie-producer friend's plane like an angel from heaven.
An emotional Ling practically referred to the former president as a messiah, describing to the media and well-wishers waiting at the airport how she and Lee thought they were being sent to a hard-labor camp, only to walk through a door to find Clinton. The crowd broke into loud applause.
For all of those who wondered what Bill would do in Hillary Clinton's diplomatic world, wonder no longer.
As details of the Clinton mission came out, it was revealed that the North Koreans themselves asked for Clinton, promising amnesty for the women upon delivery of the former president, whose visit eluded them while he was in office. The deal was done even before Clinton stepped on the plane.
So what is next for Bill Clinton?
If the mere thought of a meeting with him is enough to move a regime notorious for never moving, can the Obama administration use that star power to rescue three American hikers who ventured into Iran and are believed to be held by Iranian authorities? Can Clinton head off two Russian attack submarines cruising in the Atlantic off the East Coast of the United States?
Former presidents are used as envoys and undertake humanitarian missions all the time.
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