Talking Points for April 10

In your experience, is democracy a fantasy or a reality? In Algeria, elections are being held, but how likely is it that one of the “little-known” candidates would be able to oust the incumbent President? What kind of democracy is this?

Talking Points for 6 April

North Korea’s rocket didn’t quite hit the outer reaches of space, but it has certainly made everyone sit up and take notice: one place remains firmly outside the current world order.

Is the world powerless when it comes to North Korea? Is it worth worrying about?

Talking Points for 2 April

Many world leaders are arriving for the actual G20 summit in London… But with France threatening to walk out unless tough financial regulation is agreed by everyone, do you agree with Sarkozy?

Is this the end for Anglo-Saxon capitalism? Have a read of Paul Mason’s blog here.

On air.. Africa and the economic crisis: Your stories

Meet Alfonse. WHYS will be coming to you live from his little bar this evening. 

His place doesn’t have a name, and it doesn’t need a name -it’s the only hang out on the coast of Dar-es-salaam. It’s located on the famous Oyster Bay where families lay out picnics by the side of their cars every sunday and young men lounge on the bonnets of their cars to woo the ladies.

Alfonse tells me that people save for weeks to be able visit his bar once a month. It never used to be this way and he’ll be joining us on the programme this evening to tell us more.

Northern Ireland tomorrow, Africa today…

2 soldiers shot on Saturday, a policeman last night… Northern Ireland’s troubles appear far from over. We’re going to be in Belfast tomorrow asking if, contrary to recent impressions, peace continues to be a fragile thing.

Is Northern Ireland staring into the abyss once again? Comments and questions below for tomorrow’s programme.

Today’s programme is coming from Tanzania for a special link up with Senegal and Zambia (and you) as the International Monetary Fund meets there to discuss the impact of the economic crisis on Africa. Read about her first impressions here. Her latest post is below.

Talking Points for March 9

Time to retire retirement? Should you stop working at a certain age? Whose decision it? Would you like to be able to retire but cannot? See Tom’s blog here.

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Talking Points for 4 March

Mourners lay wreaths at the site

The Sri Lankan cricketers have returned home and the hunt is on for the gunmen. A reward has been offered for more information. If urdu and cricket were what really united a country as diverse as Pakistan, what happens now?

 

William Dalrymple paints a grim picture of the year since the elections.

On air: The Lahore attack

Most read today is the gun attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan. 5  policemen were killed and 8 players injured.

“The players are shocked. They have never gone through anything like this before”

former Sri Lankan player Sanath Jayasuriya

Talking Points for 24 November

Is Africa addicted to aid? Why haven’t all those millions of dollars lifted the continent out of poverty?

Sorious Samura is an award winning journalist from Sierra Leone, he’ll be in the studio today taking your questions. Read Chloe’s blog and post your questions here.

On Air : Who’s afraid of Barack Obama ?

Ros and Madeleine will bring you the show from a venue to be decided in Austin, or possibly Dripping Springs or Johnson City. As Bob Seger once sang “it was all up to me to decide”. Ros’s early thoughts here.