Kim Jong Il Is Alive

Seems that the reports of Kim Jong Il's death have been greatly exaggerated. As previously reported by Lawhawk last week, The North Korean leader was conspicuously missing at a parade commemorating the 60th anniversary of North Korea's founding. Something that the Communist leader would surely have attended if well.

Well today the New York Sun (reports of its death are also slightly exaggerated) reported today:

North Korea's Kim Jong Il had brain surgery after a stroke last month and could have partial paralysis on one side, press reports said yesterday, after the South Korean government said the communist leader remained in control of his country.

Foreign doctors, possibly from China and France, performed the operation after Mr. Kim, 66, collapsed about August 15, the newspapers Dong-a Ilbo and JoongAng Ilbo reported, citing unidentified government officials.

Mr. Kim's condition has improved and he is not suffering from slurred speech, a disability often associated with a stroke, the reports said.

If Kim were incapacitated, it could have serious implications for international negotiations on North Korea's nuclear disarmament. The talks recently hit a snag because of a dispute between North Korea and America over how to verify the North's nuclear programs, and a delay by Washington in its promised removal of North Korea from a list of nations that sponsor terrorism.

I reserve my comments on the fact that French doctors were possibly involved in saving this murderous dictator's life. However, if Lil' Kim cannot continue, watch for an orderly transition, much the same as Fidel did for Raul. That would be a telling sign as to Kim's true condition.

UPDATE [lawhawk]:
Well, Sky News says that Kim can now brush his teeth on his own. Nice. But who will do his hair? Seriously though, this country has millions of people who can barely obtain sufficient food daily, let alone items like toothpaste - thanks to Kim's regime.