North Korea Statement About First Strike Nuclear Attack

Headlines report that North Korea has vowed to launch a first strike against the United States. 

If one goes by the headlines, it would seem that a nuclear strike delivered against Americans is

going to happen.  Will it?  No one knows the future, and as readers here know well, I do not believe

that humans can gain information outside the laws of nature, and those who claim 'psychic' ability, 

have a success rate far below the odds of winning a national lottery; therefore, we seek information 

through the engagement of our senses.  In Statement Analysis we listen to the words of those who 

have threatened us.  

 Here is

 the North Korean statement: 

"Since the United States is about to ignite a nuclear war, we will

 be exercising our right to pre-emptive  nuclear attack against the 

headquarters of the aggressor in order to 

protect our supreme interest."

What does the statement tell us?  Is it a strong and reliable threat?

"Since the United States is about to ignite a nuclear war, we will

 be exercising our right to pre-emptive  nuclear attack against the 

headquarters of the aggressor in order to 

protect our supreme interest."

1.  Note the contingency of the first strike with the word "since"; giving us the reason why, at the start of 

the statement. 

Where a statement begins is always important.  Here the speaker, representing North Korea, begins 

the statement explaining why North Korea will do something, making it very sensitive to the speaker. 

This is similar to saying "because", as giving reason for something, rather than a direct statement. 

2.  Note that the claim is the United States is "about" to "ignite" a nuclear war and not "start" a war, nor 

a direct statement about the use of nuclear weapons.

3.  Note the response to this:  "exercising"

North Korea will be "exercising" its "right", and not that they will "strike" or "fire" or any active word 

indicating aggression. 

This is distancing language and will not likely cause America to go into a high "Def-con" like status

against North Korea.  Although a response is likely, the threat made is not a strong or credible 

threat.