"If you don’t end your hostile policy, we will demonstrate, expand and transfer it."

This was a message from a North Korean official to American officials in 2003 (Kristof, NYT).

Today, former President Bill Clinton successfully negotiated the release of the two US journalists, who were detained in North Korea for 140 days. But, at what cost did Clinton secure the release of these two Americans at a time when negotiations have stalled and North Korea conducted multiple nuclear tests just last month? Did he really apology or did he not (which he claims), and what are the implications for relations between North Korea and U.S.? Does this mean that North Korea is ready to return to six-party talks about its nuclear programs?

Judging from the recent past, no one foresees much progress in North Korea giving up its nuclear programs at this time. Rather, there's a more tangible threat since last week when Sydney Morning Herald in Australia reported that Myanmar was building a nuclear reactor supplied by North Korea. So, perhaps continuing to use the engagement approach rather than imposing tougher sanctions is a safer path; it's a tough call for government officials.