U.S. Reporters Held in North Korea

Two journalists working for Al Gore's cable channel, Current TV, have been arrested by North Korean authorities while reporting a story on refugees fleeing to China and South Korea. As with most issues involving North Korea, there is a good deal of mystery surrounding the incident. Though it is not uncommon for North Korean spies to make arrests wherever they please in the sketchy border zone, it is unclear whether the reporters were in China or North Korea when they were captured. A Chinese interpreter assisting the women was also arrested, and an American cameraman tagging along "escaped arrest at the last minute." U.S. and Chinese officials are looking into the matter. This all serves as a backdrop to the looming North Korean satellite launch next month, which many fear will actually be a missile test.