Japan’s prime minister says he has information that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is “probably in hospital,” though capable of making decisions. “Anyway, his condition isn’t good,” added Prime Minister Taro Aso, who has been known to dip his toe in outrageous waters.

Kim’s health has been the subject of wild speculation since he failed to show for an important military parade. Though rumor typically substitutes for intelligence when it comes to North Korea, Japan has been known to keep a close eye on its neighbor.


AFP via Google:

Japan’s prime minister said Tuesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il is likely in hospital but able to make decisions, fuelling concerns over the reclusive dictator’s health after a reported stroke.

Citing intelligence reports, Prime Minister Taro Aso told a parliamentary committee on foreign policy that Japan has “information that he is probably in hospital.”

“Anyway, his condition isn’t good. But we don’t think that he’s in a state where he’s incapable of making any decisions at all,” Aso said.

Read more

Dig, Root, Grow

This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.

Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.

Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.

Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.

Donate today.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG