ranges from the prospects of new stability to the prospects for greater instability, based upon kim jong il's desire to prove himself as a leader in the face of out-- outside threats from the united states and also internal threats from generals who have been in place much longer than he has. we spoke to u.n. ambassador john bothon moments ago on fox news, he said that this represents a time for vigilance on the part of the united states, but also, for tempered hope. here's his remarks: >> while this is a period of enormous risk for the peninsula and for the united states, china and others, it's also has the potential opportunity, looking at the -- what our long sought goal has been of the reunification of the korean pen lanes. that's what we need to keep in mind here. that's the strategic opportunity that may be presenting itself. >> reporter: keep in mind, the new presumed leader, kim