On air: Should you be open about your mental illness ?

It was terribly sad listening to the friends, family, fans and colleagues of Robert Enke this week.

The German goalkeeper committed suicide on Tuesday, and for some there was the shock of not knowing how long he’d battled depression.

For others, especially his wife,  (below)there was the sorrow that ultimately he’d been unable to overcome his illness.

WHYS on TV – Is the Catholic Church a force for good?

Here’s the show from earlier on today live on BBC World TV. You can watch parts two and three here.

The Intelligence Squared debate…

Today on BBC World News television, we’re picking up on your reaction to a debate about Catholicism which was broadcast this weekend gone. You’re discussing it on the post below this one, and you can watch the first part here, and the rest is on YouTube here.

Is the Catholic church a force for good in the world ?

The one billion plus Catholics in the world would presumably say “yes”-  but what about the rest of the world?    

Is the Catholic Church a force for good? 

That was the motion for an Intelligence Squared debate , held recently in London, which was broadcast on BBC World News last weekend.

On air: Is President Karzai the biggest barrier to peace in Afghanistan?

The US Ambassador to Kabul is advising President Barack Obama not to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan, until President Karzai’s government proves it will tackle corruption.

Have we fallen out of love with capitalism?

Historians may disagree on the detail, but most would agree that a desire to have democracy and capitalism lay at heart of why the Berlin wall came down. Many believed this was it – liberal democracy and free market capitalism would sweep the world as the undeniable logic of both systems defeated all the alternatives. To be honest as a 15 year-old watching the fall of communism, I can remember writing much the same in a history essay the time. But things haven’t quite worked out like that, judging by a survey today.

Is it time for Africa to apologise over Slavery?

Stand up and admit your ancestors played a crucial part in the trade of 11 million human beings from Africa. This is what Nigeria’s Civil Rights Congress is suggesting.

Are we remembering war the right way?

Remembrance Day is a date that stands out in my mind. In my formative years in Australia, it was always a big day in the cultural life of the country. 

For Australians the Great War of 1914-1918 is a watershed in the wider historical conversation we have as a nation. It could be argued that with the blood of these many young Australians we became in our minds, truly one nation. 

And because of this, I’d be very interested to discuss whether Remembrance Day should solely be about paying tribute to those who’ve died, or whether it should also warn us against ever going back to war.

On air: Anything wrong with this dress?

Here’s a video of Brazilian student being escorted off her uni campus (she’s since been re-instated). (If you’re so inclined, CNN has an interview which gives some alternative angles.) It’s been top of most viewed and read lists in South America for a week, and is now spreading further online.

And here are some of the issues it’s raising for you…

Did the punishment fit the crime?

This video is one account of John Allen Muhammad execution. Scroll down this page for a slightly more explicit witness report. Related videos on YouTube are being watched a great deal. Because you approve, you’re outraged, or just interested?