While North Korea’s border with Russia is only 11 miles long, it has served as a vital link to the outside world since the end of World War II, when the Kremlin helped establish the reclusive Communist state.
North Korea
My father was born in North Korea, though technically there wasn’t such a country at the time of his birth. North Korea is hard to take seriously because its rulers resemble cartoon villains. But they have come closest to creating an Orwellian hell-on-earth.
I went to North Korea in 2002. Like a visiting dignitary, I toured the country in a chauffeur-driven car. Sumptuous feasts were prepared for me in empty hotels. Human contact was restricted to my two government minders.
My week in North Korea was the most surreal, claustrophobic experience of my career. I’ve pledged not to return until North Korea’s people are free.
Putin Uses Railway to Expand Russian Influence in North Korea
Russian Railways, the state-run monopoly led by Putin confidant Vladimir Yakunin, is planning to complete a rail line crossing the North Korean-Russian border.
North Korea’s Isolated Spectacle
Ranks of perfectly coordinated dancers put on a show ranging from the seriously martial – women soldiers of the Korean People’s Army using tae-kwon-do blows to make mincemeat of “Yankee invaders” – to the seriously absurd – lines of dancing eggs and barnyard animals.
