Talking Points for July 1

Good morning, it’s Priya here with a few ideas for what we might discuss on today’s programme. Thanks Brett for looking after the blog overnight.

There are a number of debates already simmering away on the blog. Do you want to hear one of them on the programme?

On air: Is big business crucial to countries in crisis?

As Robert Mugabe begins his sixth term as Zimbabwean President with a trip to an African Union Summit, America wants to increase economic sanctions against Zimbabwe. China and South Africa do not. They argue there is no sense in cutting economic ties, and that in fact business and the co-operation and economic support it bring with it, are a force for good. Who do you side with? What role if any should big business play here?

Nairobi, Mwanza, Johannesburg and Robben Island

Hot off the heels of Glasgow, for those of you in or interested in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, we’ve got confirmed dates on shows from all three countries this month. As always there’s an open invite to come, and we’re after ideas of what we should talk about. Full details below.

Talking points 30 June

Thanks to Mike for holding the fort while we were having a couple of days off. Unsurprisingly yesterday Robert Mugabe was sworn in for a sixth term as Zimbabwe’s President after an election which saw just him standing. Intimidation, murder and state sponsored violence against opposition supporters led his only opponent Morgan Tsvangirai to back out of the contest.

So today Mugabe faces his African counterparts at the AU summit in Sharm El Sheik. While questions continue about how much pressure will be placed on him by other African leaders, pressure is growing on companies investing in Zimbabwe to pull out and stop supporting a corrupt regime.

The biggest armed robbery in history?

Be honest, how many of you have heard of the Iraqi Oil Law? And how many of you can tell what it is?

The Hydrocarbon or Oil Law is, according to President Bush, designed to “share oil revenues among all of Iraq’s citizens” – Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds – and to help unify the country.

Blank page 13

Due to strange goings on last night Mike in Portland wasn’t able to moderate…..the gremlins seem to have gone and so he’s back to host the blank page this weekend. Keep the conversations going and suggest any stories you would like us to talk about on the radio next week. Over to you…..

On air: Does everyone need a gun to feel safe?

In a landmark ruling the US Supreme Court has ruled that individual Americans have the right to own guns for personal use. It means a ban on handguns in Washington DC is unconstitutional. It’s the first time the court has considered the issue in almost 70 years.

Time to end adulation of Mandela?

Some of the world’s leading personalities from politics and showbusiness are gathering in London to celebrate the 90th birthday of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela at a big outdoor concert.

However, all this is happening at a time when Zimbabwe finds itself at a crossroads with a run-off election taking place despite reservations by the opposition and the international community.

Back to the Fuchsia…

Fuchsia leaves our programme today, to re-join her chums on Newshour. Her love of Chinese food, heavy metal, gothic novels, Morris dancing and the Austin Powers films means she’s been an entertaining part of our team, and we’ll miss her.

Priya has put some ideas for today’s programme on the Talking Points page… have look at them.

Here’s some of my thoughts…

Talking points 27 June

Good morning! It’s a slightly bleary-eyed Priya blogging today after last night’s Euro 2008 semi final in an especially boisterous World Service bar. Thanks Mike and Bob for watching the blog while I slept.

It’s also Fuchsia’s last day on the programme 😦 From now on she will be far far away from us (sitting about three desks down at Newshour). So I’ll begin with her suggestion:

Is there anything wrong with swearing?

She has blogged about it already, so keep leaving your comments there.