Talking Points: 4 February

Sri Lanka is one story we haven’t talked much about recently. The UN says at least 52 civilians have been killed in fighting between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels.

The Sri Lankan government have been condemned for refusing to guarantee the safety of civilians in certain areas. Similarly, Israel said it regretted civilian deaths in Gaza but continued with its attacks. Are civilians becoming less important in war? Is winning the war more important than protecting civilians?

On-Air: What’s wrong with protectionism ?

There’s a “Buy American ” clause in the economic recovery package now (ATOW) before congress.

Only U.S iron, steel and manufactured goods would be used in projects funded by the bill.

“That’s protectionism” goes the cry.

Talking Points: 3 February

It’s a bit of a slow start for us here in the World Have Your Say office. “Extreme weather conditions” have left us struggling in the snow whilst a totally different kind of “extreme weather” – a heat wave - has been causing bushfires in Australia. Should we just get used to it ? Or  should we start planning for more of the same ?

At home with the Johnsons

Hi, Tom here in Iceland. Today we’ll be broadcasting from Rekjavik and the home of the Johnson family.