On Air: Should all drugs smugglers be executed?

China has defended the execution of British man Akmal Sheikh, the first European citizen to have been executed in over 50 years.

Despite  much global condemnation , China’s decision to stand it’s ground has also attracted praise – from outside China.

“Sorry not to join the liberal wailing: heroin traffickers deserve to die,” writes Leo McKinstry.

Did China hijack Copenhagen?

Whilst talks on who’s to blame for climate change might be over for now, talks on who’s to blame for Copenhagen failing are just beginning.

“China is at the heart of Copenhagen’s failure,” says the editorial in Le Monde

Should Barack Obama have allowed himself to be censored?

If by speaking to China’s youth, President Obama was attempting to smuggle in a bit of democracy into China, then he’s failed according to this blogger. Here’s why:

‘Chinese authorities declined the White House’s request to have the town hall broadcast nationally. Each of the 400-plus students had to attend a pre-talk “lecture and meeting” to learn their talking points. Chinese news sites that originally reported Obama’s remarks about an open Internet and universal rights were quickly censored.’

Hypocrite  or wise move? Is  allowing himself to be censored the sacrifice  President Obama has to make to have China on side?

Has China become the world’s best problem-solver ?

Rwandan President Paul Kagame.”The Chinese bring what Africa needs: investment and money for governments and companies, -China is investing in infrastructure and building roads”

The “west” gets  short shrift from the Rwandan leader in an article with a German newspaper..

“Western firms have to a large extent polluted Africa and they are still doing it”

and he claims that European and American investment is inextricably linked with aid.

His words come a few days after China won praise for it’s talks with North Korea to bring them back to the negotiating table.

Are young people becoming addicted to the internet?

Teenagers around the northern hemisphere are coming to the end of their summer holidays. The credit crunch, working parents and other factors will have meant that many of them will have been stuck at home for much of their time off school. And lots of them will have been on the internet. For hour after hour. Some parents feel that it’s safe – they’re at home and all is well. Others are concerned about over-use of the internet. At 1230 GMT this Saturday, Newshour will be asking whether this concern is justified.

Talking Points 15th October

Hello everyone, it’s Karnie with you today. Global markets looked happier yesterday BUT today markets slide as fears of recession resurface. The finger is still being pointed in the direction of bankers.

Talking Points 10th October

Hi all it’s Karnie with you..Every waking day is spent thinking about the credit crisis. It’s certainly become second nature to me. I wake up every day wondering, “What’s the latest? And have things improved?” Today shares across the globe have fallen, despite intervention.

Should we drug our children?

An interesting topic that got us talking in our editorial meeting today; the National Health Service in the UK have released new guidelines for the treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It advises doctors and parents to avoid the use of Ritalin (Methyphendiate) in all but the most extreme cases and stop its use altogether for those under the age of five.  Should it be up to the parents to decide whether or not their children take the drug?

What should the role of a grandparent be?

I’m pretty sure this topic will be familiar to most of you . It’s about our parents and the role they play when their grandchildren arrive. I have many friends back home in South Africa who are in these “fortunate” positions.

Talking points for 25 August 08

Goodmorning, It’s Karnie with you today…

I must admit it gets harder and harder to go through your comments on a Monday BUT it’s equally inspiring to see so many comments up! I have been very good and looked over them this weekend and have a good idea as to what you’ve been suggesting…