] In interviews for this article over many months, western
] policymakers, Chinese experts, North Korean exiles and
] human rights activists built up a picture of a tightly
] knit clan leadership in Pyongyang that is on the verge of
] collapse.
]
] Some of those interviewed believe the "Dear Leader",
] Kim Jong-il, has already lost his personal authority to a
] clique of generals and party cadres. Without any public
] announcement, governments from Tokyo to Washington are
] preparing for a change of regime.