Between Worlds, by Bill Richardson: on Homeland Security

Negotiated for 1994 release of pilots downed in North Korea

We landed in Pyongyang on Dec. 17, 1994 [for a Congressional tour. The same week included the] downing a US military helicopter in North Korea. I asked after the crew. The Vice Minister told me the helicopter had a crew of two, but he said he could not comment on their condition. With that, my mission to North Korea was utterly transformed. "It is critically important to turn over these pilots to US authorities," I told the Vice Minister. Not possible, he said: This was a military matter, and nothing would be done until the Korean People's Army completed its investigation of the incident.

The US Secretary of State confirmed my mission. One pilot, Bobby Hall, was fine, but David Hilemon had perished in the downing of their helicopter. [After days of negotiating], on Dec. 21 offered that if I left Pyongyang, I could escort Hilemon's remains home, and Hall would be released `very soon.' I accepted. Hall was released on Dec. 30, with the US signing a document expressing `sincere regret'.

Source: Between Worlds, by Bill Richardson, p. 135-144 Feb 2, 2005

Negotiated for 1995 release of US workers arrested in Iraq

On March 13, 1995, three oil mechanics working in Kuwait for US defense contractors, got lost near the border, and found themselves in Iraq and under arrest by Saddam's border guards. They were sentenced to 8 years in Abu Ghraib Prison, for spying and potential sabotage.

About a month later, I got a call, after Jimmy Carter and Rev. Jesse Jackson had failed to negotiate their release. The Iraqis were clearly seeking a way out of what was an embarrassing episode at a particularly sensitive time. Saddam's people wanted to talk to someone they thought they could trust--and they considered me an honest broker.

Iraq wanted a formal letter from the US expressing appreciation for releasing the prisoners. No way, I said. [I worked through that point, and numerous others, negotiating as a member of Congress and not as the President's official envoy. After meeting with Saddam personally], Saddam agreed to release the oil workers into my custody]. Pres. Clinton's quiet but firm diplomacy was effective.

Source: Between Worlds, by Bill Richardson, p. 150-3 & 161 Feb 2, 2005

9/11 shifted world focus from nukes to terrorism

Our world turned upside down. Every premise I had cultivated about the international system was now at issue. That we could resolve disputes at the UN and in other international institutions. That diplomacy could serve as a counter-force to terror. That our intelligence was so strong we could prevent such acts from happening here. I previously thought the biggest challenge in the post-Cold War world was nuclear proliferation, ,but we had a new enemy; international terrorism, and its practitioners were using what military types call asymmetrical warfare. That means all sorts of unconventional arms, from suicide bombs and airplanes as guided missiles to potentially much worse--chemical, biological, even nuclear weapons.

The tragedy convinced me it was time for me to return to public service. I could get back in the arena, run for governor, do my best for NM, and try and offer leadership. In the post-9/11 world, governors were bound to assume a greater role in homeland security.

Source: Between Worlds, by Bill Richardson, p.285-286 Nov 3, 2005

*The above quotations are from Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life, by Bill Richardson, with Michael Ruby.* Click here for definitions & background information on Homeland Security. Click here for more quotes by Bill Richardson on Homeland Security.
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