WASHINGTON - NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Il appears to have rebounded politically from a recent health scare and is making major decisions, a US national security official said on Thursday.

'Kim appears to be in the saddle right now, making key decisions for his government,' the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

'He suffered some health setbacks several months ago, but at least for now those problems don't seem to be affecting his political position in North Korea.' -- REUTERS