US Expects NKorea to Continue Proliferation U.S. intelligence expects North Korea's new young leader Kim Jong Un to continue Pyongyang's policy of attempting to export its weapon systems. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday that the North's export of ballistic missiles and associated materials to countries including Iran and Syria illustrated the reach of its proliferation activities. He also cited North Korea's assistance to Syria in building a nuclear reactor, destroyed by Israel in 2007. Clapper said it was too early to assess the extent of Kim's authority. Kim took power after his father died in December. But Clapper said senior regime leaders would probably remain unified for now to prevent instability.