The identity of the next leader of North Korea and the security of his hold on power are emerging as topics of intense speculation in defense ministries and intelligence headquarters around the world after reports suggesting that the Hermit Kingdom's leader, Kim Jong Il, has suffered a stroke.
It isn't just Kim's status, of course, that fuels speculation. North Korea is teetering on the edge whether or not the daring porcupine's hand is on the helm guiding the ship of state.
Of course, an orderly succession is hardly guaranteed. Will it be a status quo successor? Will it be a pro-Chinese successor who wants to try the China model? Or will there be a collapse?
And remember, a collapse can be either a regime collapse or a nation collapse.
Don't wring your hands over the demise of the regime. It is a good thing. The regime deserves to die. Don't get confused and think that saving the regime is the right thing to do because of the possible effects of a collapse.
Just be ready to cope with the end.
