Intro to Thursday’s show

Skin bleaching: The dark side of pale

Hi, this is David Stead, Editor of Africa Have Your Say…. we’ve been joining forces with our colleagues in the BBC Caribbean Service to discuss the controversial issue of skin bleaching.

Thousands of African and Caribbean women – and a few men too for that matter – use skin bleaching products at some stage in their lives, despite concerns over safety and long term damage. Why?

Is development a death sentence?

The indigenous people of Peru call it a death sentence, their government calls it a lifeline. Over 50 people have been killed in riots in Peru over government plans to develop gas and oil on land that the indigenous people believe belongs to their ancestors.  Here’s more on the story and on the oil companies involved.

On-Air :U.S and Iran talk today

Update: Ros in Portland and Lyse Doucet in Tehran co-presenting the programme

Is something changing in Iran ?

Since a series of TV debates, the election campaign has burst into life.

Our BBC correspondents in Tehran say the outcome will be close, but it’s just possible that hardline President Ahmedinijad could be defeated by a “reformer” Mir Hossein Mousavi (pictured with his wife Zara Rahnavard).

How do you want to be led?

This is question which seems to run through a number of stories we know you’ve been following and discussing. What kind of leader do you want? Do you want them to consult you as often as possible? Does it matter if they are charistmatic so long as their policies deliver?

Momma Jane’s pancake lesson

Not necessarily a a subject to take up a whole show, but we couldn’t pass up the chance to record the master at work.