Big Dog To Pyongyang

Great news.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is on his way to North Korea to try to negotiate the release of two American journalists convicted by the communist state of "grave crimes," South Korea's Yonhap news agency said on Tuesday.

Clinton had already left for the North but had not yet arrived in Pyongyang, Yonhap said in a report from Washington quoting a source familiar with the issue.

"As soon as he arrives, he will be entering negotiations with the North for the release of the female journalists," the source was quoted as saying.

Clinton wouldn't embark for North Korea without knowing he would be let in and have something to negotiate. He met with Kim Jong-il today.

The residual benefit of a former President showing respect to the North Koreans could be that it restarts nuclear talks. All the DPRK really seems to want is respect.

But I'm more concerned about Euna Lee and Laura Ling, and the fact that diplomatic talks are underway is a great sign. Fingers crossed.