Kim Jong-il’s stroke confirmed by doctor

François-Xavier Roux, the French doctor who treated North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, has confirmed that the country’s Dear Leader did in fact suffer a stroke:

The doctor . . . told Le Figaro, the French daily: “Kim Jong-il suffered a stroke but did not undergo an operation. He is now better.”

Dr. Roux, a Paris-based neurosurgeon, added: “The photos that have just been published seem recent and authentic to me. I have the impression that he is in charge in North Korea. I can’t say more because of medical confidentiality and state secrecy.”

That was the easy part. It’ll take a 007-level intelligence effort to find out who’s been jockeying for Kim’s position.

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