Former President Clinton once again garners results. I had forgotten what it feels like after eight years of idiocy (“Dancing to Kim’s Tune,” Editorial, Aug. 5).

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also played a big part in this coming full circle, as she was the one who requested amnesty for the women.

Hillary and Bill’s “good cop, bad cop” routine worked perfectly in bringing these women home.

Bravo to Hillary, Bill and the entire State Department on a job well done.

David Landeros

Manhattan

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While the American public was thrilled and enthralled by the release of the two American journalists who were being held unjustly by North Korera, two facts should be kept in perspective.

First, knowing the nature of the North Korean government, the two journalists should never have entered the country.

Second, there will be an enormous political price to be paid for their release.

Not only will this be true for North Korea, but it will serve as a guide for a similar situation in Iran, where three Americans inadvertently crossed the Iraq-Iran border.

For this momentary transgression, the stakes have been established in North Korea and will be very costly for the United States and its allies.

Nelson Marans

Silver Spring, Md.

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Is anyone besides me curious as to how Clinton was able to free the two American journalists? And so quickly?

This, after it appeared that Obama was powerless to do so?

After his prior dealings with North Korea while he was president, I’m just wondering what new piece of the nuclear puzzle Clinton gave them this time.

And why was not the current vice president alongside former Vice President Al Gore, greeting them upon their arrival back to the states?

Who’s running the country — Obama or Clinton?

Bret Wallach

Hicksville

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It sure looks like we have the wrong Clinton in the State Department.

Hillary was clearly upstaged by Bill in her efforts to gain the release of the two American journalists.

Hey, Bill. You better watch your back.

Jim Neenan

Staten Island

***

I did not often say it during his presidency, but, “God bless Clinton.”

Our former president has succeeded in his delicate mercy mission to North Korea, dealing with the dark leaders of this repressive and backward state in a manner which facilitated the release of two Americans.

The joy and exultation that is felt by patriotic, ordinary Americans is exceeded only by that of the families of the victims. May they savor the return of those who are dear to them.

An eternal debt of gratitude is owed to Clinton, who, like his wife, is a diplomat extraordinaire. It is a great day for America.

Oren M. Spiegler

Upper Saint Clair, Pa.

***

I am thankful that Clinton was able to get imprisoned journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee released from a North Korean prison.

However, unlike what the North Korean state media stated, I doubt if this will “contribute to deepening the understanding” between North Korea and the United States.

There are just too many serious disagreements between the two countries, including over nuclear armaments and unwarranted missile firings, to make better relations possible.

These two journalists were released for two primary reasons: as a propaganda ploy to show the world that Kim is still in good health and in control of his country, and in return for secret economic and other concessions.

North Korea never does anything merely for humanitarian considerations. It always wants something tangible in return.

Kenneth Zimmerman

Huntington Beach, Calif.