Thank You, Mr. Clinton

Exceptional, America! It never ceases to amaze us. The impromptu visit from Bill Clinton to North Korea said even a little more about the United States on its ability to overcome its domestic disputes and to come together in the face of adversity. The photo of the former president, all smiles after the release of two journalists sentenced by Pyongyang to 12 years of hard labor, will go down in history. Sacre, Bill! And thank you for that moment, so different from the traditional, lowly and conventional diplomatic exercises.

Certainly, the operation was not neutral. There may be a price to pay in return. Presented as informal, without being the bearer of a message, it could not have been launched without the endorsement of Barack Obama. The White House is playing a complicated game with North Korea. On the tricky nuclear issue, it refuses any direct dialogue with the dictatorial regime. The successful Clinton trip could then give the impression of the beginning of a reorientation. Pyongyang, but also Beijing and Moscow, which are not on the same wavelength as Washington, may engage in some interpretations.

Moreover, Kim Jong-il, a good old dictator and propagandist, probably saw the means to rebuild his strength. He wanted to show to the whole world that he is more open and jovial than most would believe. And he wished to provide further evidence of his magnanimity to his people, whom he holds in poverty. The debriefing between Obama and his Democratic predecessor will not be limited to polite thanks.

But beyond the hidden face of the initiative is the American uniqueness. At the announcement of the release of his two compatriots, Obama spoke of a “source of happiness for the entire country.” For the world, it is also a nice lesson.

Few would have imagined a year ago that the Clinton couple would become a single man to Barack Obama. Hillary now leads foreign affairs according to the will of the elected president, though their views are very divergent on certain points. As for Bill, during the Democratic primary campaign, he was scathingly critical of his wife’s rival, even to the point of being a problem for her. Ironically, the retired luminary, converted into a paladin of peace, may now be an asset to Obama!

It is not often that in one political camp enmities eventually dissipate, ambitions end up agreeing, and public interest ends up taking the upper hand over personal convenience. The French know something about it, and the U.S. example is one to reflect on.