The fact that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il was willing to visit with former president Bill Clinton, and approved the release of two American journalists, shows that the United States mattered to Kim. To him, the United States still had clout.

It appears that Clinton has now ruined that clout. He must have met, or agreed to meet, the demands of Kim in order to negotiate the journalists' release.

The next time North Korea, or any other insane dictatorship, imprisons Americans — and there will be a next time — there will be more pressure for an ex- or sitting U.S. president to give in to demands.

American power has, in my opinion, been squandered to rescue two women who willingly took the risk of entering one of the most dangerous areas on Earth.