Even the Metaphors Are Deadlocked!

In the summary of its December 15th press briefing following the collapse of the Not-Quite-Agreed Framework, the State Department admitted that the talks are at an impasse and declared that the “[b]all is in North Korea’s court.” Interestingly, the Chosun Ilbo, summarizing a Rodong Sinmun editorial calling on North Koreans to unite around “the strength of comradeship,” headlines with the opposite conclusion: “Ball Is in America’s Court, N.Korea Warns.”

Here, I must register rare agreement with our State Department. Our diplomats must know with complete certainty that there are absolutely no balls whatsoever in their courts (must be the new slang those kids are using today), and I am quite willing to accept the truth of their words. Maybe if the North Koreans aren’t, Assistant Secretary Hill could offer to sign some sort of protocol to add whatever proof is still needed in the interests of peace. There might even be a book deal in it.

Related: The Wall Street Journal editorializes on “Condi’s Korean Failure.” Another hat tip to James.

Also Related: Chris Hill tells the North Koreans that Obama won’t give them a better deal. Thanks, Chris, but my money is on the North Koreans. I have a pretty good track record for predicting diplomatic outcomes because I’ve learned how hard it is to underestimate American diplomacy. I’m confident the North Koreans learned this long before I did.