When reporting on reclusive countries such as North Korea and Turkmenistan, I came to realize some time ago that it's usually easier to gain access by being a sports writer rather than a political journalist. Even the most reclusive nations have know that sporting prowess is useful, on occasion, and isolation is not conducive to success.
Tea Leaves
For Asia's reclusive regimes, sporting isolation is far from splendid
From Kabul to Pyongyang, 'playing the game' works better than exclusion
North Korean striker Jong Tae Se, center, cries as the country's national anthem is played before a match against Brazil at the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament in Johannesburg. Born in Japan, Jong attracted attention during the tourney for his open personality and accessibility to the press. © Reuters
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