Ask oneself if the Communist at present is returning (6)
I believe the answer is:
wonder
'ask' is the definition.
(I know that wonder is a more specific form of the action query)
'communist at present is returning' is the wordplay.
'communist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean communist).
'at present' becomes 'now' (synonyms).
'is returning' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'red'+'now'='rednow'
'rednow' written backwards gives 'WONDER'.
'oneself if the' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for wonder that I've seen before include "Marvel or question" , "Feeling of surprise and admiration" , "Ponder" , "Phenomenon - marvel at it" , "amazement" .)