message that the united states has conveyed and that i delivered last year applies this year. the fact is that unfortunately, tragically, this war has intensi intensified. bashar al-assad has used ever more deadly attacks against his own people, including scud missiles, of all things. and the country has become increasingly fragmented. the rebels are gaining territory and holding territory. the region is at greater risk. and assad can t last. and there is no question about that. the only question is how much destruction he will reap before he goes. are you still confident his days are numbered? yes. ambassador rice, thank you for joining us. good to be with you as always, wolf. in the middle of these new threats by north korea there is evidence out there right now that kim jong-un may be testing a dangerous new weapon. let s bring in our correspondent, barbara star, who has been reporting on it. what do we know, barbara?