What the Captured American Journalists in North Korea Could Mean for Diplomacy
From Deepak Chopra and Gotham Chopra
We have been close friends with Laura Ling and her family for over a decade. So when we heard almost 3 weeks ago that Laura and her colleague Euna Lee, while reporting on a story on the North Korean-Chinese border, were arrested by North Korean officials, we were naturally alarmed. For days we communicated with the Ling family, various officials within the media and the Government, and voraciously read all press accounts to glean whatever details we could regarding the young women's conditions. We were greatly comforted when we heard reports that North Korean officials were keeping them comfortable and safe in a Governmental guest house but equally scared when other reports suggested they may soon be sent to trial, charged with very serious crimes.
Upon deeper reflection though, we also realized that this international incident presents a truly unique opportunity for members of the global community - led in this case by American and North Korean representatives - to establish a new method of diplomacy and communication for resolving their differences, big and small.
It was just over 7 years ago that former President George W. Bush identified North Korea infamously as a member of his "axis of evil." Whether or not that was fair to begin with, today - depending on how North Korea proceeds with Laura Ling and Euna Lee - they now have a chance to shed the ugly stigma of that label. While the Obama administration must work diligently to disassemble Bush's other dark legacy that is the Guantanamo apparatus, North Korea sits in the ironic position of being able to demonstrate just how the repatriation of nationals back to their home country should be done.
In doing so, they would demonstrate what we are all gradually learning - that in the 21st century, wherein the planet is truly globalized economically, ecologically, and otherwise - it is the strength of our ideals, and our compassion and respect for others that will determine the next Super-Powers. Gone are the days of survival of the fittest, replaced by survival of the wisest - and the wise are those that take advantage of opportunity, are not held back by past grudges or the need for others' attention, but rather determine the course of their own evolution.
Any conflicts' resolution relies on the two feuding partners willingness to sit down face to face, identify their differences, and seek reasonable solutions. In this case, we urge North Korean and American officials to do so. As a students in the science of conflict resolution and healing (Deepak), we truly believe that there is no conflict that cannot be resolved with intention, attention, and action.
While we are well aware that there are larger significant issues that desperately require prompt attention, including nuclear disarmament and Human Rights issues on both sides, we also believe these should not impact the immediate intention of returning Laura and Euna home safely to their respective families. With this smaller step secured, both sides might confidently move toward a deeper discussion that is clearly in the best interest of every nation on Planet Earth.
We live in challenging times, where Jihadists and Jingoists often use the same rhetoric cloaked in different languages, where extreme nationalism is disguised misguided nihilism with a singular inevitable outcome in nobody's interest. Circumstance demands that we take responsibility for our own collective fate. Small steps determine the way.
Comments (11)
Dear Deepak and Gotham,
this issue has been intensely on my mind and I'm glad to read your views on it. I'm also glad to hear that Laura and Euna are indeed physically well right now.
I don't think that this situation can be considered insignificant compared to bigger issues, because it contains the larger issues in a nutshell. This is about the way two countries see themselves and each other, and how they relate within that context. It is about how they can find a way to peace and mutual respect, mutual appreciation and cooperation in the interest of every country and human being. Laura and Euna have chosen to be the souls to spark this process.
As I see it, this situation will change as soon as one part is willing to let go of the view of the other as evil. That will change the whole interaction and transform the "other" part as well.
America could be the side that is changing its ways first. Surely many Americans think of North Korea as evil, and that image is so solidified now that it could tempt us to take it for reality. But what is evil? The country as a whole? A country is made of people, and North Korea has a population of women, children and men with all the beliefs, hopes, dreams and challenges a human being can have- just like America. North Korea has a leader holding a worldview that is not the view of his population. He believes that certain things and behaviours are right and in the interest of his country. But Americans know now very well how it feels to be in dissonance with your own leader ... So refusing to buy into the old image of an evil country and looking with new eyes can bring unexpected perspectives.
America as a nation (government) could transform this situation easily, by being willing to let go of its mental/emotional opposition to North Korea, and by correcting in itself those traits that it has accused "them" of.
I see this process is already happening- the Swedish media reported with great warmth, joy and relief yesterday that Annika Östberg, the Swedish citizen detained for 28 years in the USA, charged for a crime that is seen differently in the two countries, has been finally released. This is no coincidence, and it is a wise diplomatic move, not only because the Swedish embassy is now representing American interests in Pyongyang, but most of all karmically, because as long as you do not pay your own debts (see your own blindness), you will not find resolution for your pain. Guantanamo, as you mention in your article, is of course next on the list of what the USA can actually do to transform the whole situation. But it all starts with a change in the perception of the other.
So I would want to point out that if the USA has a real desire to help their two detained citizens, if the USA is ready to change its own mindset (and I believe this is what Obama's message is about), then it doesn't have to wait for North Korea to "do" anything, nor demand anything of North Korea. The very act of changing your nation's attitude toward the other country and acting with courage from there, taking -your own- responsibility, will dissolve the strain between the two countries and not only set Laura and Euna free, but solve an enormous amount of other problems.
I add my intent for a smooth and successful peace process.
love,
aurora
Sarah Palin in response to North Korea's missile launch:
"Alaska is a sovereign state."
Hmmmm. I didn't exactly know that.
This is what I wrote back in January about Palin's states' rights tendencies:
http://www.intent.com/blog/2009/01/06/why-barack-o...
Alaska is GOIN' ROGUE!
Dear Deepak and Gotham,
This is how you can make it happen.
Kim Jong-il leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has one major weakness, attractive american actresses. If one or two were to contact him and tell him how big a favor and meaningful it would be to them, if he could get them released quickly, he would do it.
I am not kidding, it could work feminine energy can have an enormous power over men.
so true, so true, brilliance, except these 2 women are amazing human beings, extremely compassionate and intelligent, so to suggest that they sacrifice themselves to such filth from such scum is insulting to most likely anyone who's ever known them. On the other hand, you could dress a tiny dummy up like a lil girl and trick him, he s a sick sick man. The best non-violent way would be to send him an invite from a blind date to meet him at the most remote secluded secret island america has , leaving him there, alone. Make a reality show of it.
When a man has his own objective view on how things get done he misses the man he is and always was meant to be. If he wanders to far from his home then it is difficult to find because the man sees the people he knows but the people do not know the man he is so the people cannot help the man find his way home and he wanders in his own illusion the rest of his life.
Sad when you have an objective in your life when all in all you did not open your eyes to the subjective you were meant to live.
Peace(+)
Dom
http://www.intent.com/hello/intents/deepak-chopra-...
dear deepak, gotham.
We should pray to God that they make home safe, and do what we can from here to ensure or atleast help that.
Wish you love, peace and happiness.
Trisha
those idiots deserve what's coming to them. and i hope it's the north korean gulag. america would be even dumber to trade anything to those dumbasses. and as for the heroism of those idiots, i'm sure that self-interest was THE driving force that led them to their present predicament.
WOw cynic, you re sweet, you really seem like a great person.
I hope they come home soon. I would love to see some t-shirts made in support of them, I know of a Maine screen printing company that would do a great job.
I am not so sure whether the capture is accidental. Standing on neutral grounds, there's a lot of suspicion of the journalist being involved in spying activities.
Jason
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