N. Korea's Kim Jong Il "Reelected"

China congratulates NKorea's Kim on re-election Agence France Presse — Chinese President Hu Jintao congratulated Kim Jong-Il on his re-election as leader of North Korea, state media said Saturday, amid widespread international condemnation of Pyongyang's rocket launch. Hu said in a message that Kim's re-election on Thursday as chairman of the powerful National Defence Commission is an "expression of sincere support and profound trust", Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. click to read complete article

Images of Frail Kim Jong Il Renew Talk of Succession Fox News — Perhaps the world's most reclusive leader, Kim Jong Il appeared older, grayer and thinner as he limped his way into his first public appearance before a large audience in more than six months. His arrival onstage dispelled questions about whether Kim has recovered from the stroke he is believed to have suffered last August -- he appeared alert and enjoyed full use of both arms, unlike in some of the undated footage broadcast in recent days by North Korea's state-run television. click to read complete article

Kim Jong Il Enhances Relative's Role Voice of America — North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has appointed his brother-in-law to an influential defense position. That has fueled discussion about what might happen to North Korea's government if the aging leader's health should fail. Jang Song Taek saw his share price rise dramatically this week in North Korea's political market. He is North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's 63-year-old brother-in-law. click to read complete article