Put me with @Clyde and any others on this one, this is horrible but a Military response is not an option here.

To me botulism seems more plausible, although I don't believe it was botulism that caused this at all. What makes more sense to me is that North Korea used him as a guinea pig for medical research. Once they put him in a coma and realized they couldn't bring him out of it, they needed to send him back here before he died in their custody. If he tried to hang himself I'm sure that North Korea would have said that was what happened. Instead they said he contracted botulism and then went into a coma after taking a sleeping pill... Doesn't sound like he attempted to commit suicide to me.

 

I'm surprised that North Korea even released him. If they were directly responsible, why not just bury him and pretend like he's still a prisoner for the years to come?

 

I am surprised that his family did not want an autopsy. I understand this may have been related to some religious beliefs but as a parent, I'd want to know the extent of the injuries and the theories that followed.

Also, it seems like North Korea stood nothing to gain by releasing him. That's what puzzles me the most. Why release him when it doesn't benefit you whatsoever. We know they didn't do it because it was the humane thing to do. What motivating factors would've played into their decision for release?

Also, it seems like North Korea stood nothing to gain by releasing him. That's what puzzles me the most. Why release him when it doesn't benefit you whatsoever. We know they didn't do it because it was the humane thing to do. What motivating factors would've played into their decision for release?

 

IMO, whatever they did to him, they did not intend for him to lapse into a coma and probably got super worried when his condition started to deteriorate. That's why they made contact with the U.S. to discuss the situation and ultimately hand him over. No way they wanted a dead U.S. citizen while in their custody.

IMO, whatever they did to him, they did not intend for him to lapse into a coma and probably got super worried when his condition started to deteriorate. That's why they made contact with the U.S. to discuss the situation and ultimately hand him over. No way they wanted a dead U.S. citizen while in their custody.

 

I totally see your logic but how would the US know if he were dead or alive at any point over the next several years? Isn't this the Hermit Kingdom, where little is revealed? Am I overthinking this by focusing on why NK would release him or what motive would they have to release him? :idunno:

Put me with @Clyde and any others on this one, this is horrible but a Military response is not an option here.

 

This incident when combined with the missle development program and general beligerance makes striking now imperitive. Do we really want to face this level of beligerance after NK developes both nuclear weapons and the ability to deliver them?

I totally see your logic but how would the US know if he were dead or alive at any point over the next several years? Isn't this the Hermit Kingdom, where little is revealed? Am I overthinking this by focusing on why NK would release him or what motive would they have to release him? :idunno:

 

It all depends on the answer to the question, when released in 14 years, would he be turned over to a US government official? If so, that could be behind their reasoning of releasing him now. If they let him die in their possession, the US will eventually find out about it, even if it takes 14 years. By releasing him now, they can play the card that they released him when he was alive, and the US killed him as he was living in that same state for the past year.

This incident when combined with the missle development program and general beligerance makes striking now imperitive. Do we really want to face this level of beligerance after NK developes both nuclear weapons and the ability to deliver them?

 

I agree something has to change inside North Korea or eventually we will have to take action. However, this incident really doesn't play into it for me, this incident just serves as a reminder just how evil North Korea is in case anyone forgot.

I agree something has to change inside North Korea or eventually we will have to take action. However, this incident really doesn't play into it for me, this incident just serves as a reminder just how evil North Korea is in case anyone forgot.

 

Also a reminder that NK is no joke or extreme tour.

Does the Red Cross ever visit a political prisoner? If they are supposed to, why haven't they visited any of the four that were being held. How do we know the remaining three are still alive? Just an opinion, no way would I think it's a good idea to take a side trip to N.K.

Also a reminder that NK is no joke or extreme tour.

 

North Korea is an Evil Dictatorship.

 

I feel really sorry for the civilian population there.

Does the Red Cross ever visit a political prisoner? If they are supposed to, why haven't they visited any of the four that were being held. How do we know the remaining three are still alive? Just an opinion, no way would I think it's a good idea to take a side trip to N.K.

 

If you are the Red Cross how do you know you would make it out alive?

If you are the Red Cross how do you know you would make it out alive?

 

They are after all, "The Red Cross", aren't they recognized around the world? Wonder how fast they'd beat a path to our door for some perceived misdeed? If China cannot control the N.K. dictator, we are left with some unpleasant actions. Sooner or later, it's bound to be High Noon.

If you are the Red Cross how do you know you would make it out alive?

 

If I was a member of the Red Cross and they told me that I was going there, I'd quit and not feel bad about it.

Does the Red Cross ever visit a political prisoner? If they are supposed to, why haven't they visited any of the four that were being held. How do we know the remaining three are still alive? Just an opinion, no way would I think it's a good idea to take a side trip to N.K.

 

The Red Cross is only go in where they are allowed in. I doubt NK cares about the Red Cross.