Tom's Take (AM)

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/09/art.amanpour.writer.jpg caption="Sr. Writer Tom Evans"]

Today, AMANPOUR focuses on Al Qaeda, more than eight years after it launched the 9/11 attacks. We have an inside look at how Al-Qaeda is evolving into an organization spreading throughout Europe and the United States, as well as other parts of the world, through its adept use of the tools of modern communication to perpetuate jihad.  You don’t want to miss this program!

– Tom Evans
Sr. Writer, AMANPOUR.

OBAMA TO ASIA – Will the U.S. president’s visit achieve anything of substance?

–         President leaves today for four country trip to Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea

–         Nuclear disputes with North Korea and Iran, Afghanistan, climate change, and the economy are all likely to be major issues in his talks

–         U.S. sending an envoy perhaps later this year to Pyongyang to discuss nuke issues

–         China has greatest leverage on North Korea, but may be unwilling to use its influence too strongly for fear of undermining regime there and precipitating possible collapse

QUESTION: Can U.S. persuade China to support its regional and global goals on areas of common concern such as North Korea, Iran, and the economy? Or is U.S. influence in Beijing waning?

NORTH KOREA/SOUTH KOREA – Will North/South tensions subside after naval clash?

–         North Korea threatens to punish South Korea after naval skirmish this week

–         Seoul says it can deter any attack from the North, armies of both countries on alert

–         Both sides accuse each other of violating disputed waters and firing first

–         One South Korean newspaper reporting a naval ship from the South fired as many as 4,000 rounds at the North Korean vessel, badly damaging it

QUESTION:  Is this skirmish simply saber rattling by North Korea ahead of Obama’s visit to Asia or something potentially much more dangerous?

AFGHANISTAN – Is President Obama seeking a radically new approach to the war?

–         Senior U.S. official says Obama won’t accept any of existing war options on the table

–         U.S. ambassador in Kabul, a retired four-star general, resisting calls for a big troop increase in Afghanistan in two classified cables to Washington in the past week

–         Ambassador reportedly saying increasing force levels would bolster a government that is mired in corruption and mismanagement

–         Pres. Obama likely to announce troop decision shortly after he returns from Asia on November 19

QUESTION: What additional options might the President consider for Afghanistan given he’s said it’s a war of necessity not a war of choice?