The Thinkers..

On the left Professor Michael Sandel , below philosopher and “digital guru” Jaron Lanier. Both fascinating and original thinkers, writers and broadcasters, and  both soon to be guests on WHYS.

Professor Sandel delivered this year’s Reith Lectures which were, if i may declare a bias, a great and thought-provoking listen. Here’s a good example of him in action.

On air: Should Britain be proud that Tony Blair is appearing at the Iraq Inquiry?

I heard one text being read out on Five Live in which the listener argued he was feeling proud to be British. How many countries, he asked, would have their former leader answering sharp questions on his most controversial decision for six hours? We had a visitor from the BBC’s Russian Service who said that this accountability is what’s interesting his listeners. Do you applaud this process, and would your country ever host something similar? Would you want it to?

On air: Is Tony Blair changing your mind?

He’s explaining why he took UK forces into Iraq. Is he convincing you that he acted honourably and with justification? Is his evidence, altering your view one way or another? Follow it all here.

One Young World – Esra’a Al Shafei

My name is Esra’a Al Shafei and I’m a 23 year old digital activist from Bahrain. In the next few weeks, I hope to contirbute my opinions on One Young World on WHYS. Needless to say I am very excited about this opportunity.

Do wars need to be legal?

 

UPDATE: 29/01/2010
Some days there is no doubt about what is the biggest talking point of the day. As I’m typing this, every single TV screen here at the BBC’s newsroom is tuned to the same story and the blogosphere is abuzz with talk of Tony Blair’s appearance at the Chilcott Inquiry today.

It’s been eagerly anticipated in the Middle East, as this, this and this article show, and elsewhere.

Over the course of the day, Blair’s arguments on going to war will face forensic scrutiny. But can wars ever be justified on legal grounds?