World is watching U.S.-North Korea drama

Christiane Amanpour and Fran Townsend discuss the escalating tension between the U.S. and North Korea. Many in the U.S. and around the world may be wondering why the young dictator is making nuclear threats and seemingly preparing for a potential attack.

Amanpour  says it's difficult to understand, but the answer is rooted in generations of his family's rule. "I think that this is sort of emblematic of many, many years of a dysfunctional relationship between North Korea and frankly the rest of the world."

As the U.S. considers how to respond to the antagonistic rhetoric, Amanpour says diplomacy should be employed. "The U.S. doesn't want to do that, does not want to, quote, unquote, "reward" North Korea ... Obviously that's not what diplomacy's about."

Townsend thinks the U.S. needs to work closely with allies in the region. She sees the threat as serious, but notes the U.S. will be able to counter. "We've got a lot of capability ... to understand it before it happens, to deal with it if it does happen and to work with our allies in the region."