Talking Points 16th September

Hello all, it’s Kate with you again today. You may have seen Ros’ post – we’re doing a special show from the uniquely-named town of “Truth or Consequences” in New Mexico in the US today. Please tell us what you’d like to ask our guests!

Is there an alternative to capitalism?

It’s been a dramatic day for the global economy with massive US financial institution Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch being bought out by the Bank of America, both once champions of free market capitalism. Just last week, the US government effectively nationalised mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the UK government recently had to bail out Northern Rock. It’s got us asking not only if capitalism has failed but what’s the alternative?

On air: Meltdown Monday

Are you worried by meltdown Monday? In the wake of the fourth-largest investment bank in the US, Lehman Brothers, filing for bankruptcy protection we’re going to be joined by Steve Evans, presenter of Business Daily. He’ll be able to answer your questions about the growing global financial crisis.

On air: Why are we rewarding leaders who lose elections?

In Kenya following disputed elections in December last year President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner. Observers said it was deeply flawed and the opposition Orange Democratic Movement claimed the election was rigged. More than 600,000 people were displaced and 1,500 were killed in ethnic violence. A power sharing deal was finally signed placing the opposition leader Raila Odinga as Prime Minister and Mwai Kibaki as President

Just a few months on Zimbabwe seems to be repeating the pattern. Today Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai signed a power sharing deal...

Talking Points 15th September

It’s an historic day for Zimbabwe today. President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have just signed a power-sharing agreement after months of intimidation since Tsvangirai’s MDC party won elections in March as well as widespread hunger in the fastest shrinking economy in the world.