The Hill goes to Mohammed

AFP quotes a Chosun Ilbo report that Christopher Hill, the US's negotiator in the six-way talks, is exploring the possibility of a visit to North Korea next month. He may even hold direct talks with Kim Jong-il. Hill is pushing for a trip before the next round of six-nation talks in early November, which he reportedly told South Korea's unification minister Chung Dong-young, who passed along the request when he visited Pyongyang.

Direct talks with Kim Jong-il may be the kind of respect-showing display that will make him comfortable enough to decide to play ball. Let's just hope Hill doesn't tell Kim Jong-il we're very, very angry with him. Even worse if he says we will write Kim a letter telling him how angry we are.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the aptly named Moody's has decided to freeze South Korea's credit rating, in response to North Korea's recently diplomatic hijinks.