On Air: Does democracy have to be secular to work?

Ever since the Iranian election, there is one issue that’s cropped up again and again in your discussions on Iran. Does democracy have to be secular to work?

On air: Is it time for some honesty about Iran from the West?

Iran’s foreign ministry accuses the West of seeking to undermine Iran by spreading “anarchy and vandalism” and of wanting the disintegration of the country. (As I’m writing this, it’s being reported on the news wires that ‘ITALY SAYS IT IS WILLING TO OPEN EMBASSY IN TEHRAN TO WOUNDED’ – make of that what you will.)

Should politically active teachers be banned?

The U.K. is investigating a possible ban of members of the far-right British National Party from working as school teachers. Taiwan is reportedly considering a ban on public school teachers from participating in political activities.  And the issue of schools and politics was an issue in the U.S. in the lead-up to the presidential election.

How do you feel about your child’s teacher expressing political views, or being a member of a political party?

Is the world powerless to help Iran?

Iran remains tense but is calmer this morning. Violence flared over the weekend and at least 10 people died as a result of clashes between protesters and police.

WHYS TV – Iran – 19/6/09

What’s the best way to deal with a hostage crisis?

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that no stone was left unturned in response to criticism that the UK didn’t do enough to secure the release of the two British hostages.

There have been accusations that the UK’s approachof not negotiating with hostage-takers endangers lives. But, the government has said it is sticking to its line of not making “substantive concessions” to kidnappers. The media blackout imposed on this story was also criticised.Is this the right way to go?