[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 will look at the role of modern Islam as the Hajj pilgrimage begins in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Hajj started with two twists: thinner crowds amid fears of swine flu and heavy rain. But beneath the powerful symbol of Muslim unity lie deep schisms that divide the Islamic world. That’s the subject of our program today. There are also other stories making news today. Here are some perspectives on some of the headlines.
– Tom Evans; Sr. Writer, AMANPOUR.
AFGHANISTAN ROW – New indications of tension in British-American relationship?
– British defence secretary publicly criticizes Pres. Barack Obama for delays in sending more troops to Afghanistan, saying it’s made it harder for U.K. to defend the mission
– Criticism comes after reports of serious strains between British and American commanders during the invasion and occupation of Iraq
– Pres. Obama expected to send some 34,000 additional troops to Afghanistan; announcement likely next week
– Reports many of reinforcements will go to southern Afghanistan, an area which is under the command of a British general
QUESTION: Can the British and American militaries work together successfully, and without tension, in Afghanistan?
PAKISTAN/INDIA – Will Pakistani-Indian relations improve, one year after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai?
– Pakistan charges seven people with planning and helping carry out last year’s terror attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people
– Men all allegedly belong to the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group
– Trial a key test of Pakistan’s promise to punish those responsible for the November 26-28 attacks
– India and the U.S. have demanded that Pakistan take firm action against people accused of involvement in the attacks
QUESTION: Will Pakistanis be less sympathetic to Lashkar-e-Taiba – which say it is fighting “to liberate Muslims” in the disputed border territory of Kashmir – as this trial unfolds and after recent terrorist bombings in Pakistan?
LANDMINES – How long will the United States refuse to join the global effort to ban landmines?
– U.S. State Department says it won’t join NATO allies and other countries that formally ban landmines
– State Dept. spokesman: “we determined we would not be able to meet our national defense needs nor our security commitments” if U.S. signs convention
– Human Rights Watch says development is surprising and disturbing
– U.S. only NATO country that will not sign landmine treaty. Russia and China have also refused to join 156 nations that support the ban
QUESTION: What will it take to convince the U.S. that landmines are not necessary as a weapon of war?