peninsula. the thing the u.s. has always faced, what is more important to us? is it our national security interest particularly in the aftermath of 9/11? >> isn't this also -- the ones we're talking about now, generally seems the most unstable. >> yes. absolutely. you have a rebellion in the north. a succession in the south. and you have al qaeda. three components are already creating instability. >> if al qaeda was to take over, it would be a huge disaster. >> i don't think we're that far yet. al qaeda is -- uses yemen as a base in the same way it diz with afghanistan. yes, it is also opposed to the leadership of the president. but that's, you know, i don't think al qaeda is going to step in and fill the vacuum. one thing so much in doubt right now is because the groups are