JOURNALISTS FREED - AT 3:29 P.M. ET:  News has just come that North Korea, that gracious, compassionate state, has ordered the pardon of the two American journalists they've been holding.  Apparently, the two will return to the U.S. with former President Bill Clinton, who is visiting North Korea.  (See our story just below.)

Of course, this was a done deal.  Clinton wasn't going to North Korea unless he knew he'd come back with the two women.  It's a spectacular photo op which means...absolutely nothing.

We're delighted, of course, that the women are free.  But this is nothing more than manipulation of American public opinion.  It says nothing about the North's nuclear weapons program, its missile development, or its sharing of deadly technology with other countries.  But it may result in a boost for President Obama, who can now say, "This is what engagement brings."

Fact is, we've been "engaged" with North Korea for decades, with nothing to show but some agreements that they've violated.

Iran is watching, and may well learn how to manipulate, and keep us off guard, by making small concessions that the Obamafied press will distort.

August 4, 2009