The North Korean Rat Pack

Over the past 24 hours, the North Korean government has fired a fusillade of news dispatches south toward the enemy, here, here, here, here, and here. The language is startling, even by the routine over-the-top standards of the Hermit Kingdom:

The indignation of the army and people of the DPRK at the group of rat-like [South Korean President] Lee Myung Bak is running high. Shouts of “Destroy!”. “Beat to Death” and “Tear to Death” are ringing out in this land…The special actions of our revolutionary armed forces will start soon to meet the reckless challenge of the group of traitors.

South Korea and U.S. intelligence analysts believe Pyongyang’s cant highlights new leader Kim Jong-un’s weak hold on power, and the return of North Korea’s military to the fore. Be careful out there: if the over-heated rhetoric triggers a spark that leads to a military exchange, North Korea could be history.