Getting Ready For A Collapse Of North Korea

A file photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, whose recent absence from a military parade
has the world speculating that he may be dead.

U.S., China Laying Plans in Case North Korea Collapses
-- FOX News

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is more impaired from the stroke he apparently suffered last month than reports from the region suggest, and the United States and China are holding talks about what to do if the government in Pyongyang collapses, FOX News has learned.

A senior Bush administration official says that although Kim may not be close to death, the U.S. does not accept reports from South Korea that he’s on his way to a rapid recovery.

The official told FOX News the United States is naturally engaging the Chinese about what to do if there is ensuing instability in North Korea.

There is no logical successor to Kim. He has not been grooming one of his sons to replace him, as Kim’s father, Kim Il Sung, groomed him.

The official told FOX News there are no signs of instability in North Korea now, but the likelihood of a smooth transition of power in that country is not high.

The source said the Chinese are reluctant to admit the discussions publicly, because of their close relationship with North Korea.

The official said Kim obviously is physically impaired or he’d have taken part in this week celebration marking the nation's 60th anniversary. The ceremony contained some production elements to obscure the fact that Kim wasn’t there.

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More News On North Korea

Kim's death could destablize N. Korea -- National Post
Kim Jong Ill or Kim Jong Well? -- Economist
A Prayer for the Hermit King -- Newsweek
Kim Jong-il may be paralysed, South Korea's spies say -- Telegraph
Kim's health triggers nuclear, ally concerns in US -- AFP
South Korea on alert for possible changes in North -- Yahoo News/Reuters
South readying for abrupt changes in North Korea -- Radio Australia
As North Korea's dictator Kim goes, so goes the nation -- San Francisco Chronicle
North Korean No. 2's Nuclear Comments `Positive,' U.S. Says -- Bloomberg

My Comment: Kim Jong-Il will not bring about massive and immediate change in North Korea. The NK politburo will only promote one of their own to the top position, and it will be business as usual. The people of North Korea are not going to rise up in rebellion. It is not in their culture to do so, and after decades of deprivation the will to change the government is just not there.