Skirmish Puts S. Korean Troops on Alert Nov 11, 2009
South Korean conservative activists burn North Korean flags and portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il during a rally denouncing North Korea's military in Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 11, 2009 ... This undated photo released by the South Korea Navy on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 shows South Korean Navy patrol boats, the same type of South Korean boats that involved in a naval clash with a North Korean ship, engage in an exercise in the West Sea, South Korea ... Barry Petersen shares some candid... (CBS News)
US announces NKorea nuclear talks Nov 11, 2009
WASHINGTON A senior U.S. diplomat will travel to North Korea before year's end to try to pull the Koreans back into international negotiations on nuclear disarmament, the State Department said Tuesday. In this photo released by Korean Central News Agency and distributed by Korea News Service in Tokyo, French envoy Jack Lang, left, is greeted by North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun as they meet in Pyongyang, capital of the reclusive nation, on Tuesday November 10, 2009 ... The French... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
U.S. announces one-on-one talks with North Korea Nov 11, 2009
Talks on North Korea's nuclear program had come to a standstill ... Trip could lead to talks between North Korea, U.S., South Korea, Japan, Russia, China ... Washington (CNN) -- U.S. officials will soon meet unilaterally with North Korean representatives to facilitate the resumption of talks on ending North Korea's nuclear program, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Tuesday. (CNN -- World)
U.S. to hold direct talks with N. Korea Nov 11, 2009
U.S. announces one-on-one talks with North Korea - CNN.com ... U.S. announces one-on-one talks with North Korea ... Talks on North Korea's nuclear program had come to a standstill. (CNN -- International)
The six luxury trains of North Korea's plane-shy Kim Jong-il Nov 10, 2009
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il - who is known to avoid air travel - has six luxury trains at his disposal, a South Korean newspaper has reported ... The trains have 90 carriages in total and 19 stations in North Korea are reserved for 67-year-old Mr Kim's use ... The North Korean leader reportedly suffered a stroke last year, but this year has increased the number of his public appearances apparently to quell rumours about his health. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Maya Angelou, Rihanna among Glamour mag's honorees Nov 10, 2009
Other honorees recently in the headlines were Laura Ling and Euna Lee, the American TV journalists who were arrested in North Korea and sentenced to 12 years hard labor after briefly crossing the border from China. They were pardoned in early August after a trip to Pyongyang by Clinton, who also mentioned the ordeal in his remarks, calling the day of their release one of the happiest of his life. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Iran Accuses 3 U.S. Hikers of Espionage Nov 10, 2009
" Clinton, who met last week with the detained hikers' families at the State Department, said the U.S. would continue to make that case through the Swiss channels who represent U.S. interests in Tehran. The timing of the announcement from Tehran raised the possibility that Iran was using the case to pressure the United States amid the negotiations over its nuclear program. Iran is also holding another American, academic Kian Tajbakhsh, who was arrested amid Iran's postelection turmoil and was... (CBS News -- World)
China lays on charm for Bishop's Beijing odyssey Nov 9, 2009
"Their autonomous regions make up 60 per cent of their land mass, with 55 minorities, and they have North Korea and Russia and all these countries around them - just putting it in a whole geo-political context was very important.". Bishop said her hosts were particularly keen for her to acknowledge their achievements since 1989. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
The West's undoing, as seen by North Korea Nov 9, 2009
The official North Korean news agency has warned that capitalism is actually on the brink of collapse, contrary to the propaganda pushed in Western media in recent weeks ... It said North Korean soldiers and people were full of ''pride and self-confidence, joy of life and creative enthusiasm. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
NKorea's Kim Jong-Il reportedly has six personal trains Nov 9, 2009
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Books about 1989: Wall stories Nov 9, 2009
As the grim examples of Romania then and North Korea now both show, a sufficiently determined communist leadership can survive economic failure through repression. Moreover, 1989 is the story of people as well as processes. (The Economist)
North Korea's Kim 'has luxury trains' Nov 9, 2009
North Korea's Kim 'has luxury trains ... North Korea's Kim 'has luxury trains ... North Korean leader Kim Jong Il - who shuns air travel - has six luxurious special trains equipped with conference rooms, bedrooms and high-tech communication facilities, a South Korean newspaper says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Is Dr. Drew's sexual healing bad for you? Nov 8, 2009
Raul: We are also sister cities with Kaesong, in North Korea. Their town is far nicer. (Salon)
Unemployment's black October Nov 7, 2009
" The appropriate public policy response is not necessarily to send more Americans to expensive four-year colleges, particularly if that means crippling burdens of personal debt in the form of student loans. We need to expand the vocational training provided by the community college system. None of this means that we don't need world-class scientists and engineers, or that we don't need to rebuild our manufacturing export industries, or that we don't need to hire people to design and build... (Salon)
Passing the buck on North Korea Nov 7, 2009
The other, Scott Snyder, who directs Korea policy at the Asia Foundation, speaks out regularly on North Korea, generally from a somewhat centrist viewpoint. They too will be paying the obeisance required of all visitors as, in the words of a diplomatic source quoted by Yonhap, the South Korean news agency, they "meet with key North Korean officials involved in the country's nuclear program" ... Their visit is to be "private", we are told, but that's a distinction the North Koreans don't bother... (Asia Times Online)
Unemployment Nov 7, 2009
Follow News & Politics. Editor: Updated: Today Topic. (Salon)
Vacationing in Lovely... North Korea? Nov 7, 2009
Opening Up North Korea - TIME ... Opening Up North Korea ... Not quite, but North Korea is hoping for more tourists Sean Gallagher. (Time.com)
Freedom fighter Nov 6, 2009
" Yeah, he turns that old proverb on its head. A few hours of reflection, and reading what the committee said about the award, and I could see its point and purpose. In recent years the Nobel Peace Prize has more often honored promise and encouraged progress than it marked concrete, permanent achievements in the realm of world peace. So the prize went to President Carter's ultimately unsuccessful 1978 Middle East peace drive; and to the same still uncompleted effort by Yassir Arafat and Yitzhak... (Salon)
What type of country the U.S. is Nov 4, 2009
It bombs in Afghanistan, invades Iraq and threatens sanctions against Iran and North Korea. Did anyone in Washington consider begging Saddam Hussein to withdraw from occupied territory in Kuwait. (Salon)
Healthcare Reform Nov 4, 2009
Neither terrorists nor rogue states like North Korea are likely to use nuclear weapons. Here's why By Michael LindWednesday, Dec 31, 1969 16:00. (Salon)
The Clinton Foundation's donors Nov 4, 2009
So far away that Obama's small but fervent efforts in the opposite direction -- new diplomacy on Israel, Palestine, Iran, Russia and North Korea; slow but steady withdrawal from Iraq and now a painful reappraisal of the increasingly bloody war in Afghanistan; a pledge to eliminate nuclear weapons; new initiatives to the Muslim world -- could win him this prize ... " Wilson, Republicans are trying to censure Rep. Adam Grayson (whose rant maybe went over the top,) even though Rachel Maddow... (Salon)
Cuban-Americans' Change of View Means U.S. Travel Ban Could End Nov 4, 2009
Says Tomas Bilbao, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, a Miami-based organization of business and community leaders, "After the loosening of restrictions for Cuban-Americans by the Obama Administration, it will be increasingly difficult for the government to respect the liberties of one narrow group while restricting them for a broader group." Democratic U.S. Representative William Delahunt of Massachusetts, who introduced the new travel-to-Cuba bill in the House, where it now has 180... (Time.com)
* US ties not under strain: Japan Nov 3, 2009
Washington regards the southern island as a key staging post close to China, Taiwan and North Korea X but Okinawans have long been angered by aircraft noise, risk of accidents and crimes committed by US personnel. The city assembly of Naha, the capital of Okinawa prefecture, yesterday adopted a statement that said: Given the situation surrounding the Futenma Air Base, which is worsening year by year and which is going against residents wishes, we can never accept the relocation inside... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Dozens Under House Ethics Investigations Oct 31, 2009
These are America's real enemies, not Islam, not Iraq, not Iran, not Afghanistan or North Korea. Our problem with corruption won't dissapear until they do. (CBS News -- US)
No plan yet for U.S.-North Korea talks, U.S. says Oct 30, 2009
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Informal contacts between U.S. officials and a senior North Korean diplomat have not produced plans for formal bilateral talks, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday. Ri Gun, North Korea's second-ranking nuclear negotiator, met in New York and in California with Sung Kim, the U.S. special envoy to disarmament talks ... U.S. special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Bosworth (front), and Sung Kim, top U.S. nuclear negotiator, leave after their meeting with South Korean... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Ahmadinejad defends possible nuke deal Oct 30, 2009
I don t remember China, India, Pakistan and North Korea supplying whackjob terrorists with everything they need like Iran has. Nor have they stated that they would like to wipe another country from the map. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
North Korea to host Brazil club Oct 28, 2009
SEOUL: North Korea will host a World Cup warm-up match against Brazilian club Atletico Sorocaba next month, South Korean media reported ... North Korea, along with fellow Asian confederation sides Australia, Japan and South Korea, have automatically qualified for the Finals in South Africa next year. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
With much to lose and little to win, let's get out of Afghanistan now Oct 24, 2009
Gator wrote on Oct 19, 2009 12:17 PM:" Stan, I had a Brother-in-law (passed away) from Islamabad Pakistan had you spent an hour with him I frankly believe your hair would have turned whiteWe tend to thinkevery one loves us. That couldnt be further from the truth. in Pakistan hate is the generalrule of the day.. We have a reputation of starting something and then cut and run Look atthe history since WW II . As I said this country disregards al Qaeda at our peril. I tookmy brother in law to... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Why Missile Defense Doesn't Work Oct 24, 2009
What Missile Defense. What Missile Defense. (Slate)
Struggle to control economy Oct 23, 2009
Street vendors - normal elsewhere, but a new sight in North Korea. In international media coverage of North Korea, its nuclear programme and the country's extreme form of leader worship often dominate ... Nevertheless, key changes in North Koreans' daily lives are leading analysts to wonder how long the leaders in Pyongyang will be able to keep power in one of the world's remaining nominally socialist economies. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Koreas silent on reported meeting Oct 23, 2009
The South Korean state broadcaster KBS said on Thursday that Kim Yang-gon, a North Korean official in charge of cross-border affairs, visited Singapore to meet a ranking Seoul official ... It said the talks made no progress after Mr Kim refused to accept the South's proposal that the summit should be held in Seoul, requiring North Korean leader Kim Jong-il to travel south ... NORTH KOREA 2009 TESTS 4 July - Seven suspected ballistic missiles fired 2 July - four short-range cruise missiles... (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Cut exec pay or government stay away? Oct 23, 2009
I have always wanted to live in North Korea and now I can without having to travel there. Go Government. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Obama heads to New York for campaign fundraisers Oct 20, 2009
justshortoflokul wrote on Sep 23, 2009 10:37 AM:" Last I checked, we are still a sovereign nation, however with Obama wanting to go "shoulder to shoulder" with the UN as well as Iran and North Korea, it makes me think he is trying to dissolve the country and make us subjugate to dictatorships and outsiders who want us gone. Think of this: huge debts to China incurred in his spending plans, amicable moves to Iran and North Korea, and snubbing Israel, one of our closest allies. Past generations... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Nobel Peace Prize“then and now Oct 17, 2009
Facts wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:21 PM:" LJ - He got elected because of several factors. 1.) People HATED W so bad that they considered anyone better. 2.) The news media slobbered all over Obama from day one - only showing him in a positive light. 3.) He is just like several other past Presidents - He knows how to woo the press and the people. He has charisma. He never got elected because of his policies - they suck. Not because of his acomplishments - he has none. Not because of his past - it is... (Cameron Observer, MO)
* Sven-Goran Eriksson turned down North Korea, report says Oct 15, 2009
Sven-Goran Eriksson turned down North Korea, report says. SURPRISE: A newspaper said North Koreas London embassy suggested that an announcement on the Swede could be made in two or three weeks AFP , LONDON Thursday, Oct 15, 2009, Page 20 ... Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has turned down an offer to become the technical adviser of North Korea for next years World Cup, the Press Association reported yesterday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Report: Eriksson rejects North Koreas offer Oct 15, 2009
Report: Eriksson rejects North Koreas offer ... Report: Eriksson rejects North Koreas offer ... LONDON: Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson has turned down an offer to become the technical adviser of North Korea for the 2010 World Cup, the Press Association reported yesterday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Democrats work to finalize health legislation Oct 15, 2009
justshortoflokul wrote on Sep 19, 2009 11:25 AM:" The big push to "pass it now, fix it later" makes me trust the intentions of our current congress and president even less. This is a model that won't reduce poverty but impoverish even more than before. We will see our national debt balloon and the quality of medical care go down. With the current movement toward abortion and euthanasia, the government will be empowered to decide on who lives and who dies. With that, we will become the next North... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Rush to Judgment Oct 15, 2009
I see that the Senate Finance Committee had its vote while I was in North Korea. So. (Fox News)
Remembering Congo's rumba king Oct 15, 2009
Page last updated at 07:07 GMT, Monday, 12 October 2009 08:07 UK. By Noel Mwakugu BBC News, Kinshasa. (BBC News -- Africa)
Billy Graham's son meets NKorea's top diplomat Oct 14, 2009
SEOUL, South Korea The son of veteran U.S. evangelist Billy Graham held talks with North Korea's foreign minister in an "amicable atmosphere" Wednesday, Pyongyang's official news agency said. The Rev. Franklin Graham, who heads relief agency Samaritan's Purse, arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday to deliver aid, saying he hoped his visit would "play the role of a bridge for better relations" between the U.S. and North Korea, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency ... On... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
US wants bunker-buster fast, denies Iran is reason Oct 13, 2009
Pentagon officials acknowledge that thenew bomb is intended to blow up fortified sites like those used by Iran and North Korea for their nuclear programs, but they deny there is a specific target in mind ... North Korea, led by Kim Jong Il, is a known nuclear weapons state and has exploded working devices underground. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Billy Graham's son visits NKorea to deliver aid Oct 13, 2009
SEOUL, South Korea The son of veteran U.S. evangelist Billy Graham arrived in North Korea on Tuesday to deliver aid to the impoverished communist nation. Broadcaster APTN in North Korea showed the Rev. Franklin Graham, who leads a Christian relief group, arriving at Pyongyang's airport ... Ri Gun, director general in charge of American affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry, greeted Graham at the airport and the two held talks, APTN footage showed. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
High-level SA delegation visits Al BashirUNAMID in fresh bid to tackle root-causes of Darfur conflictUN worried about increasing LRA attacks in Southern SudanGhana beats Sudan 2-0 in 2010 World Cup qualifier Libya, Somalia review cooperationBurundi sets conditions for keeping soldiers in SomaliaUganda 'regrets' arresting Somali ministerSomali minister's arrest blunder puts Uganda in tight situation DRC journalists demonstrate against insecuritySouth Korea reopens Embassy in DRCBelgian organisation protests detention of Congolese woman, her three childrenDR Congo suspends Olympic committee chair for misappropriation Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE South Africa welcomes latest qualifiers for 2010 World CupCape Town, South Africa (PANA) - Officials of the 2010 World Cup organising committee in South Africa have formally welcomed the eight new qualifiers for the global football competition. 12/10/2009 Full Text... Oct 12, 2009
They join Brazil, Ghana, Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, England, North Korea, Sou th Korea, Australia and Japan " who had already booked their spots for the worl d football spectacular " as well as host South Africa, which qualified automati cally, to make up the 19 qualified teams to date. There are 13 more slots to be filled to make up the 32 teams that will play in t he 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. (Panapress.com)
Obama says he'll accept Nobel as 'call to action' Oct 12, 2009
sammy wrote on Oct 9, 2009 9:14 PM:" October 9, 2009 @ 1:30 pm Dear Nobel Organization,First, let me say that my initial instinct is to scream as loudly as I can. But I dont think you would understand how shouting can actually be constructive at times. Instead I will, as calmly as possible, express my deep and profound disappointment in your organization in naming my President Obama as the winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. It is nearly impossible to even say that phrase without my common... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Saudi caught in Iraq:I will fight again Oct 11, 2009
Oct. 10: South Korean activist try to spread news to North Korea by attaching thousands of leaflets to balloons. NBC's Peter Alexander has the story. (MSNBC -- International)
* World News Quick Take Oct 11, 2009
Activists said yesterday they had postponed a plan to fly 300 radios into North Korea attached to balloons because of unfavorable winds, as the North held communist anniversary commemorations ... North Korean radios and TV sets come pre-tuned to government stations. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
China urges dialogue with N Korea Oct 11, 2009
China urges dialogue with North Korea- World Update-The Sunday ET-Features-The Economic Times ... China urges dialogue with North Korea11 Oct 2009, 0136 hrs IST, REUTERS ... BEIJING: North Korea wants to ease a standoff with the United States, Japan and South Korea, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told East Asian neighbours at a summit focused on Pyongyangs nuclear weapons and on regional integration. (India Times)
Gasps as Obama awarded Nobel Peace Prize Oct 10, 2009
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:46 AM:" So now the Nobel Peace Prize stands for racism? Amazing. He has done more to divide people in 8 months than anything else. He is not welcome in Isreal. Iran and North Korea have laughed in his face. Our allies are turning their back on him in Afganistan. Innocent people are dying by the hundreds in the streets of Iraq that were safe before he took office. The IOC acted insulted by his weak presence. He has done absolutely nothing to further world... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Obama: Nobel award a 'call to action' for world Oct 10, 2009
" "For Obama, who's had a very tough year, this is a major moment," Brinkley said. Across the globe, some analysts said the prize could help Obama advance his goals. "They're giving the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama to try to push his platform, to give him support for projects he has presented in the area of nuclear weapons, resolving problems in the Middle East, and also to give him some international political capital for future negotiations in the case of Iran and North Korea," said... (USA Today -- News)
S.Korea, Japan press North Korea to return to talks Oct 9, 2009
SEOUL (Reuters) - The leaders of South Korea and Japan called on Friday for a new approach to force North Korea to give up atomic arms as Pyongyang planned to send an envoy to the United States, a trip which could revive dormant nuclear talks ... The leaders of South Korea and Japan called on Friday for a new approach to force North Korea to give up atomic arms as Pyongyang planned to send an envoy to the United States, a trip which could revive stalled nuclear talks ... "Unless there is a... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
* Obama set for debut Asian tour next month Oct 9, 2009
The trip will mark Obamas most testing foray yet into the vital US relationship with top Asian powers and see him push for backing on key foreign policy priorities, including the nuclear showdowns with North Korea and Iran ... Obama has made strenuous personal efforts to set a new US direction toward Europe, the Middle East and Latin America and is yet to devote similar time to Asia, but his emerging regional policy is rich in diplomatic engagement and is aimed at containing the North Korean... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Musical genius? Oct 8, 2009
Page last updated at 07:45 GMT, Thursday, 8 October 2009 08:45 UK. Do you drum it, strum it or stroke it. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Without trace Oct 7, 2009
Page last updated at 04:14 GMT, Wednesday, 7 October 2009 05:14 UK. Families' anguish over Pakistan missing. (BBC News -- UK)
India lets Kashmir leader travel Oct 7, 2009
The paradox of North Korea ... The reality of North Korea's restrictive way of life. (Yahoo News -- Kashmir Dispute)
Prevailing joy? Oct 7, 2009
The paradox of North Korea. North Korean capital Pyongyang - where 'an atmosphere of joy prevails ... By John Sudworth BBC News, North Korea. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Good spots, bad reputation Oct 7, 2009
Not-so-dangerous destinations - Active- msnbc. Not-so-dangerous destinations. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Dorgan Pushes Ending Travel Ban to Cuba Oct 6, 2009
The New York Philharmonic, which last year played before audiences in North Korea and is soon to hold its first concert in Vietnam, received approval for its musicians and staff to go to Cuba. But the orchestra decided to call off the trip after Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control denied travel licenses for about 150 patrons who had agreed to cover the costs of the Oct. 30-Nov. (Newsmax)
Obama Delays Meeting With the Dalai Lama Oct 6, 2009
In explaining their reluctance to meet the Dalai Lama now, U.S. officials told Tibetan representatives that they wanted to work with China on critical issues, including nuclear weapons proliferation in North Korea and Iran, said an Asian diplomat with direct knowledge of the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. Administration officials also hinted that they were considering selling a new tranche of weapons to Taiwan, which China claims as its... (CBS News -- Politics)
Nuclear talks Oct 6, 2009
North Korea missile tests defy UN. Detective Agency creator's first opera. (BBC News -- Africa)
China, North Korea laud ties on scrutinized visit Oct 5, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will travel to North Korea next week, Beijing's Foreign Ministry and Pyongyang's state media said Monday, amid a flurry of international efforts to convince the reclusive regime to return to stalled nuclear disarmament talks. Wen will meet with North Korean leaders during the Oct. 4-6 visit to discuss bilateral ties and "issues of common concern," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement ... Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency said in a brief dispatch earlier... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Review: Shenzhen A Travelogue Fro... Oct 4, 2009
charmed readers through Pyongyang A Journey to North Korea with stories of isolation and misunderstanding as an expat working in Asia. He continues these themes in Shenzhen A Travelogue From China as he finds himself temporarily assigned to an animation studio. (Suite101.com)
Cuba lambasts US embargo after orchestra tour shelved Oct 4, 2009
The orchestra made headlines in February with an unprecedented set of performances in North Korea. Guma expressed "admiration and respect" for the New York Philharmonic and said Cuba "is keeping its doors open for the orchestra and its sponsor and organizers.". (Yahoo! Asia News)
NY Philharmonic shelves Cuba trip Oct 3, 2009
The New York Philharmonic performed in North Korea last year ... The Philharmonic made history last year when they performed a landmark concert in North Korea's capital Pyongyang. (BBC News -- Americas)
‘Era of engagement’ includes Cuba Oct 2, 2009
Unlike the difficult policy choices the president faces in Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea, taking bold action on Cuba presents no risk, and indisputable rewards. Allowing all Americans their right to travel to Cuba would be popular at home: 67 percent of Americans and Cuban Americans polled last spring support engaging the Cuban people. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
SKorean Leader Urges Strong Army, Citing Threat Oct 1, 2009
A South Korean conservative activist shouts slogans beside a picture of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il during an anti-North Korea rally in Seoul ... (SEOUL, South Korea) President Lee Myung-bak said Thursday that South Korea should strengthen its armed forces to cope with a continuing nuclear threat from North Korea despite recent conciliatory gestures ... After raising tensions with nuclear and missile tests earlier this year, North Korea released several American and South Korean detainees,... (Time.com)
