Rescuing American in Myanmar, former New Mexico governor scores again in despot diplomacy

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson poses for a picture with American journalist Danny Fenster following his release from prison in Myanmar, in this undated picture uploaded on Twitter November 15, 2021 and obtained by Reuters. RICHARDSON CENTER/via REUTERS

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson helped free American Danny Fenster from a Myanmar prison on Monday, and the journalist's release was the latest in Richardson's long career of dealing with notorious dictators.

The U.S.-diplomat-turned-freelance-fixer, who celebrated this 74th birthday on Monday, posted a photo on Twitter that showed him with his arm around Fenster at the bottom of the steps of a jet that flew them out of the country.