Are we too familiar?

Hello pet, love, dearie, bro, duck, Xingan (darling in Mandarin), Habibi/Habibiti (‘my love’ in Arabic), draga (‘my dear’ in Romanian), Khriso mou (‘my treasure’ in greek)….apologies if I’ve just mangled the terms of endearment in your language but do I need to apologise for being over-familiar?

Talking Points 26th November

Hundreds of Thai protestors have taken over Bangkok’s international airport demanding the removal of the current government. The escalating protests have disrupted thousands of passengers from around the world and but have lead to a quick response from army chiefs. Are disruptive protests effective? And are violent protests are justified?

An end to black victimhood?

While we wait for the opportunity to talk to the Taleban, this blog got us talking in the office.

“The claim that, to an extent, the current plight of many black Americans is the fault of black culture. And that culture must now change”

And this. What do you make of it? Should there now be an end to black victimhood?

Talking Points 10th November

Dealing with rising unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing President-elect Obama, 1.2 million jobs have been lost in the US so far this year. The personal impact of global recession is being felt through rising unemployment in countries around the world. Tell us your unemployment stories – are you feeling at risk of losing your job? Are you able to cope if you do?

Talking Points 7th November

Good morning/afternoon/evening – Obama dominated headlines immediately after the election, but now world leaders are competing for the US President-elect’s attention.

Talking Points 6th November

There is one story that the world is still talking about – the next US President Barack Obama and what he will do in power. The world has huge expectations of President Obama but are global expectations too high?

America votes!

Election day is finally here after the longest, most expensive and possibly most exciting presidential campaign in history. Barack Obama is ahead in the polls but whoever wins, the end of today will mark a change in politics that is relevant to the whole world. So wherever you are in the world we want to know what you’re doing on this historic day…

Talking Points 31st October

Should the world talk to the Taliban? Governments in the region are certainly entertaining the thought, but as attacks continue like this one against the Afghan government – should this even be considered? Tom has been working hard over the last couple of days to set up a programme where you can speak directly to a spokesman from the Taliban.

Talking Points 30th October

Good morning/afternoon/evening – while the US and Pakistan authorities consider talking to the Taleban, they strike again. The Taliban’s spokesman says dialogue is “worthless…(as long as) foreign troops are in our country”. Fears for personal safety is now the highest concern for many Afghans so is it time to talk to the Taleban?  

On air: Should you be punished for helping someone to die?

A British multiple sclerosis sufferer who sought legal clarification over whether her husband could be prosecuted if he helps her to commit suicide, has lost her case. Debbie Purdy is in a wheelchair and is seeing her health rapidly deteriorating. She wants to end her life at the Swiss clinic Dignitas, where people can go to commit suicide, if her life becomes unbearable.

Debbie Purdy will be joining us for the whole hour today, taking your questions.