US Soldier Detained in North Korea: A Complex Diplomatic Challenge

Summary:

• A US soldier, Travis King, has been detained in North Korea after crossing the border from South Korea.
• Previous cases of detained Americans in North Korea required lengthy back channel negotiations for their release.
• The lack of diplomatic relations between the US and North Korea necessitates involvement from intermediary countries like Sweden.
• Former US presidents have been involved in previous negotiations for the release of detainees in North Korea.

A US soldier has been detained in North Korea after intentionally crossing the border from South Korea on a tour of the demilitarized zone. The situation poses a significant diplomatic challenge for both the US and North Korea as they navigate historical tensions and seek a resolution.

The detention of US soldier Travis King in North Korea is likely to be a prolonged and intricate diplomatic process. History has shown that previous cases of Americans held in North Korea, such as Laura Ling and Eun-a Lee, who spent four and a half months in a North Korean prison, required months of back channel negotiations for their release. Another example is Jeffrey Fow, who was detained for leaving a Bible in a North Korean bathroom and was freed after almost six months. One of the major obstacles in resolving this situation is the absence of diplomatic relations between the US and North Korea. As a result, other countries like Sweden have to step in as intermediaries. The Swedish embassy in Pyongyang has a history of assisting in such cases and has previously helped secure the release of an Australian student and the American student Otto Wombie, though tragically, Otto Wombie passed away after returning to the US. In some cases, star power has played a role in negotiating the release of detained individuals. Former US presidents like Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter have been involved in previous negotiations. Bill Clinton successfully secured the release of Laura Ling and Eun-a Lee after meeting with then-leader Kim Jong-il, while Jimmy Carter visited Pyongyang to secure the release of teacher Aja Long Gomez. The outcome of Travis King's case will depend on how valuable the North Korean authorities perceive him to be and whether Travis King himself desires to return to the US or remain in North Korea.

As the situation unfolds, the international community will closely monitor the developments and hope for a peaceful resolution to bring Travis King back to the United States.