• Can we ever defeat terrorism?

• A burning issue

• Is Bush right to ignore climate change?

Can we ever defeat terrorism?

Much has happened in the two years since September 11th. In the name of fighting terrorism, we have seen the largest military mobilisation in a decade, invasion and regime change in two countries and “collateral” deaths of thousands of Iraqi and Afghan civilians. We have also seen terrorism continue with unprecedented ferocity. Bomb attacks from Madrid to Bali have killed over 600 innocents. Saddam Hussein may have been captured, but attacks against the occupation forces in Iraq continue and Osama bin Laden, Mullah Mohammed Omar and many other high ranking al-Qa'ida operatives remain free. Our leaders constantly remind us that it is only a matter of time before Britain has it's own September 11th. The time has come to ask our governments some big questions. Who are we fighting? What are we fighting for? And, most importantly, can we win? Read more...

A burning issue

Should the UK follow Ireland's lead and ban smoking in bars and restaurants?

It’s about freedom, isn’t it? A ban on smoking in bars and restaurants infringes on a smoker’s right to enjoy their tobacco wherever they choose. To force people who smoke out on the street, or to hide furtively in their homes, is surely anathema to our liberal, democratic philosophy. Furthermore, millions of pounds will be lost as smokers and non-smokers alike desert sterile smoke-free pubs to stay at home and watch telly. Read more...

Is Bush right to ignore climate change?

Even the Pentagon thinks global warming and climate change are a threat to US national security, but still Bush refuses to honour the Kyoto protocols. Why?

George W Bush’s stated reason for pulling out of the Kyoto agreement in March 2001 was that it “would cause serious harm to the U.S. economy”. In saying this, he made it clear that monetary, not environmental concerns would guide his policy on global warming. But is Bush right? Will staying outside any emissions reduction treaty, and effectively ignoring climate change, benefit the US economy? Read more...