Political theater at its best! Everyone got something they wanted: North Korea had a U.S. President come to them and respectfully request the release of the criminals, the pardons for whom were graciously given; the U.S. secured the release of the two reporters, and did so without any official involvement. North Korea forced the U.S. to negotiate with them directly, something the U.S. has tried to avoid via the six-party talks; as the airplane was unmarked and the visit was private, the U.S. has not compromised that diplomatic effort.

Rather well done, IMHO. Kudos to all.

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Eudaimonia