[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/09/art.amanpour.writer.jpg caption="Sr. Writer Tom Evans"]
Today on AMANPOUR., Christiane will look at the growing attention on Yemen as an operational base for al-Qaeda, and discuss strategies for combating its threat to international security as well as regional stability. Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will sit down with Christiane in the studio to examine that, the search for peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict, and much more. There are many other stories in the news today to tell you about. Here are some perspectives on the latest headlines.
Tom Evans; Sr. Writer, AMANPOUR.
IRAN – How dangerous is it for the country’s pro-democracy leaders?
– reformist web site says opposition leader Mehdi Karrubi’s car hit by gunfire in northern town of Qazvin in rare armed attack on anti-government figure
– Karrubi was in Qazvin for mourning ceremony. Hundreds of people protested his presence
– Gunfire damaged windows of Karrubi’s car. He was apparently unhurt. Unclear who opened fire
QUESTION: Are pro and anti government activists in Iran on a dangerous collision course that could lead to a major escalation in violence?
NORTHERN IRELAND – Is the security situation in the British-controlled province deteriorating?
– policeman seriously wounded in bomb attack on his car shortly after he left his home
– it was the latest in a series of gun and bomb attacks on members of security forces since March 2009
– fears that dissident former IRA members are trying to sabotage peace deal that brought an end to three decades of violence
QUESTION: Will the anti-British community in Northern Ireland stand firm against the upsurge in violence and continue supporting the Good Friday peace deal?
SWITZERLAND – How high can speeding fines go?
– Swiss court fines multi-millionaire $290,000 for speeding in St. Gallen, in eastern Switzerland, on account of his wealth
– unidentified driver, a repeat offender, estimated to have a net worth of more than $20 million
– driver was going up to 35 miles an hour (57 km an hour) faster than the 50-mile-an-hour (80 km-an-hour) speed limit
QUESTION: Should speeding fines be based on the income and wealth of offenders?