[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/09/art.amanpour.writer.jpg caption="Sr. Writer Tom Evans"]
On AMANPOUR. today, we’ll be examining nuclear proliferation, in particular the challenge of how to deal with North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. The U.S. announced Tuesday that it will soon meet unilaterally with North Korea. Could this be an opportunity for a new era in relations, leading to an end to sanctions and to North Korea’s nuclear program? Or is it another attempt by North Korea to convince the U.S. to treat it as a respected equal? We’ll explore the diplomacy of non-proliferation - what is working and what isn’t – in North Korea as well as the Middle East, with former chief U.N. Weapons Inspector Hans Blix and Victor Cha, the former top adviser on North Korean affairs to President George W. Bush. There are also some other stories making headlines as well today, stories that resonate across the globe, as I discuss below.
Tom Evans
Sr. Writer, AMANPOUR.
KOREA – Will U.S. decision to send an envoy to Pyongyang lead to reciprocal concessions by North Korea?
– U.S. says American officials will meet soon with N. Korean representatives to facilitate the resumption of talks on Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program
– Secy. Of State Hillary Clinton says naval skirmish between North and South Korea this week won’t affect decision to send diplomats to Pyongyang
– South Korean forces on high alert along border between North and South
– S. Korean officials saying N. Korean vessel was heavily damaged and on fire when it retreated from disputed waters; no word on damage or any casualties from North
QUESTION: Was naval skirmish staged by North Korea to gain a negotiating advantage with U.S. by suggesting hardliners in Pyongyang have the upper hand?
AFGHANISTAN – Is U.S. President Obama close to making a decision on troop reinforcements?
– Sources tell CNN Obama is considering four options and will likely discuss them today at his eighth meeting with his war council
– One clearly defined option calls for the U.S. to send an additional 34,000 troops to Afghanistan, on top of the 68,000 that will be there by the end of this year
– Obama today also likely to discuss level of cooperation the U.S. can expect from Afghan President Karzai
– Afghan officials say Karzai will be sworn in for a second term on November 19 after the disputed presidential election
QUESTION: Will additional troops in Afghanistan make any difference in the long term if the Afghan government continues to be mired in corruption and remains illegitimate in the eyes of many?
KALASHNIKOV – Will any rifle ever match the Kalashnikov (AK-47) for worldwide fame?
– Designer of Kalashnikov assault rifle turns 90 and is named as a “Hero of Russia”
– Rifle was invented in 1947 and is used by the armies of more than 50 countries. It’s also favored by guerrilla movements and criminals across the globe for its ease of operation and durability
– Russians take great pride in honoring man who they argue invented a weapon that is far superior to its U.S.-made rival in the Cold War, the M-16
– Kalashnikov on Russian TV: “I am waiting to see who will make a better weapon”
QUESTION: Is the Kalashnikov rifle truly one of the best inventions of the 20th Century, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is asserting this week?