Who Is In Charge In North Korea?

There are reports from U.S. intelligence that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il suffered a stroke last month and is incapacitated. The U.S. State Department nor anyone has made such a confirmation.

However, it might go a long way in explaining why the North Koreans have done an about face on decommissioning the Yongbyong nuclear facility. Kim was also notably absent from celebrations commemorating North Korea's 60th anniversary yesterday. The arrangements were also less ostentatious than in previous years.

It begs the question: Who is in charge in North Korea? His son Kim Jong-Chul, who turns 27 later this month? Well, if he's going to be President for Life he might as well start young. Or could it be senior officials in the Workers Party of Korea? Whomever is in charge, I suspect the North Koreans will soon be doing more than just reassembling Yongbyong unless the Chinese can keep them in check.