An 85-year-old Korean War veteran is currently being detained by North Korea. Two military officers pulled Merrill Newman off his plane on Oct. 26, and have been holding him in custody ever since without contact. His wife calls the detention a huge “misunderstanding,” but it would appear that it’s more nefarious. Newman is the seventh American detained since 2009, and in every other case so far, the North Koreans get something from the U.S. in return – including highly publicized visits by Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter in 2010.

Newman is also the second American currently being detained. Kenneth Bae, a Christian missionary and tour operator, was arrested in November 2012 and charged with “hostile acts,” which are believed to be photographing hungry children. In May, he was sentenced to 15 years hard labor after the Obama administration refused any concessions to North Korea. Perhaps Newman is dictator Kim Jong Un’s attempt to ratchet up the pressure. Kim is the third generation of his dynasty, and so far has proved every bit as unhinged as his father and grandfather. He and his rule are still young, which means he’s trying to prove himself to his people. Forcing the U.S. to come crawling would solidify his hold on power.

The U.S. must take measures to prevent what are essentially state kidnappings. In 2008, President George W. Bush removed North Korea from the State Department’s list of terror-sponsoring states in an effort to save a disarmament agreement. The move was ill-advised and should be corrected, among other possible measures. North Korea will continue to be a thorn in our side until they face consequences for their rogue behavior.