Alle afleveringen van The Interview – pagina 35 van 40

CEO, Syngenta - Mike Mack

6 januari 2014 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

One of the great global challenges of the next half a century will be feeding a human population set to rise beyond nine billion. Farmers worldwide face an enormous productivity challenge. Mike Mack is the CEO of Syngenta – one of the world’s biggest agribusinesses. He sees farming's future driven by bioscience and genetic manipulation. But why does he face so much mistrust and suspicion? Lees meer

(Photo: Mike Mack, CEO of Syngenta)

World Champion Cyclist - Mark Cavendish

23 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Mark Cavendish has enjoyed the reputation of being the fastest man on two wheels over the past five years . He is a cycling phenomenon - an explosive sprinter, a world champion and the winner of more Tour de France stages than any other Briton. He also has a reputation for blunt talk in a sport tainted by illegal drug use. So, has cycling cleaned up its act and thrown out the cheats? Lees meer

Artist Jeremy Deller

20 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Artist Jeremy Deller defies all the labels and categories of the art world. He is a visual artist who can’t paint, can’t draw and professes no great technical skill - yet he is widely regarded as one of the most important artists in Britain today. He uses images, objects, words and real people to present a portrait of the modern world, from the factory floor to the Iraq war. What is at the heart of his creative vision? Lees meer

Chairman and CEO of Total- Christophe de Margerie

18 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Hardtalk is in Monte Carlo at the World Policy Conference, an international gathering of politicians and business leaders from across the world. Stephen Sackur speaks to one of France’s most influential and outspoken CEOs, Christophe de Margerie, head of the energy giant Total. Does Europe have what it takes to meet the triple challenge of economic competitiveness, climate change and energy security? Lees meer

Douglas Alexander – Labour Chief Foreign Policy Spokesman

16 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Under Tony Blair's leadership the world grew used to a British Labour government that was the United States’ staunchest ally in a series of military interventions. But with the Blair era long gone and the party preparing for an election battle in 2015 has Labour's world view changed? Hardtalk speaks to Labour's Chief Foreign Policy Spokesman Douglas Alexander. Does Labour have a compelling vision of Britain’s role in the international arena? Lees meer

Director General, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons - Ahmet Üzümcü

13 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

When the Nobel Committee awarded this year’s Peace Prize to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), its staff was on the ground in Syria overseeing the removal and destruction of the country’s chemical weapons. Sarah Montague travelled to Oslo to speak to the Director General of the OPCW, Ahmet Üzümcü as he collected the prize. Does the work of his organisation mean peace is more likely in Syria? Lees meer

South African Rugby Team Captain, 1993 - 1996: Francois Pienaar

11 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Francois Pienaar was captain of the South African rugby team when it won the World Cup in 1995. Before the game Nelson Mandela walked into the stadium in Johannesburg wearing the Springbok rugby jersey, which was once seen as a symbol of white minority rule. It came to be viewed as a defining moment for the emerging ‘Rainbow Nation’. Francois Pienaar went on to develop a friendship with Nelson Mandela. George Alagiah asks him whether the hope and optimism generated that day is still alive today. Lees meer

(Photo: Springbok captain Francois Pienaar (R) receives the Rugby World Cup from President Nelson Mandela at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, June 1995. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Republican Senator, Florida - Marco Rubio

9 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Viewed from across the Atlantic, American politics is a mess. A stand-off between Congressional Republicans and President Obama temporarily shut down the federal government. Healthcare reform is a battleground and immigration reform is blocked. Hardtalk speaks to Florida Senator, Marco Rubio. He is widely seen as a Republican contender for the White House in 2016. Do the Republicans have what it takes to win a national election? Lees meer

(Photo: Senator Marco Rubio, Republican Florida, speaks at the 2013 Values Voter Summit. Credit: Getty Images)

Martin Schulz

6 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

For the last few years the EU has been under enormous strain. Amid the bail outs, austerity and rising unemployment some Europeans have come to see the EU as part of the problem, not the solution. HARDtalk speaks to Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament. He'€™s one of Europe'€™s most powerful advocates of more integration, but is he out of tune with Europe'€™s mood? Lees meer

EU Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner - Laszlo Andor

2 december 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Is the stability and unity of the European Union threatened by internal migration? Over the past decade millions of people from the accession countries of Eastern Europe have taken advantage of the EU's integrated economic space to live and work in the union's richer countries. But now there are signs of a political backlash, not least here in Britain. Hardtalk speaks to the EU commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Laszlo Andor. Has Europe's freedom of movement gone too far? Lees meer

(Photo: Laszlo Andor, EU commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Journalist - Glenn Greenwald

29 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

When Edward Snowden leaked American intelligence secrets the whole world became aware of the extent of US-UK surveillance of global phone and internet traffic. Have the revelations flagged up a corrosive infringement of individual liberty, or undermined efforts to protect the world from terrorism? Lees meer

Hardtalk speaks to journalist, Glenn Greenwald - the man who broke the Snowden story. His mission, he says, is to hold power to account. Is this a journalistic crusade that's gone too far?

Ukrainian Businessman and Politician - Petro Poroshenko

27 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Ukraine had a historic opportunity this week to move toward full integration with the European Union. EU leaders wanted to seal an association agreement which would have drawn one of Europe's largest nations firmly into Brussels' orbit. But Ukraine's president walked away from the deal, in favour of closer ties with Russia. Why? Hardtalk speaks to Petro Poroshenko, Ukrainian billionaire-businessman and former minister. East or West - where do Ukraine's real interests lie? Lees meer

Medical Ethicist - Julian Savulescu

25 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

From genetic engineering to bioscience, human beings are close to acquiring the ability not just to combat disease, but to enhance and perfect our species. But should we seek to do it, or should we shy away from a path that led to Nazi eugenics? Hardtalk speaks to the Australian born, Oxford based medical ethicist Julian Savulescu. Can we trust ourselves to be wise masters of our own biology? Lees meer

Performer and Mental Health Campaigner - Ruby Wax

21 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Mental illness is the invisible scourge of modern life, and it comes with a stigma. To admit to depression, or another illness of the mind, has been to risk being labelled as weak, self-indulgent or mad. Ruby Wax wants to change that. She made her name as a comedian and TV entertainer; long experience of depression eventually took her into neuroscience and psychotherapy. Mental illness raises difficult questions, where did she find answers? Lees meer

Picture: Ruby Wax

Philosopher - Roberto Unger

20 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

What exactly is progressive politics? In the rich world it is identified with the centre left, with a faith in the state's ability to ameliorate the perceived excesses of market capitalism. Hardtalk speaks to Roberto Unger, an influential Brazilian political philosopher who has a much more ambitious take on what it means to be progressive. He calls himself a revolutionary, but is the world - rich or poor - ready for his progressive revolution? Lees meer

Picture: Roberto Unger, Credit: Manpreet Romana/AFP/Getty Images

Medical Director, Akanksha Infertility Clinic, India - Dr Nayna Patel

18 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

In India, producing surrogate babies is a booming business. Reproductive technology allows childless, wealthy couples to hire impoverished Indian women as surrogate mothers - pregnancy and childbirth have become commercial transactions. Hardtalk speaks to Dr Nayna Patel, a pioneer in the field. Her clinic has been recruiting surrogates and delivering babies to order for a decade. Is this 21st Century way of making babies irresponsible and exploitative, or a positive public service? Lees meer

CEO, Eni - Paolo Scaroni

13 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Is energy Europe's economic Achilles heel? While the US benefits from a massive investment in shale gas production, Europeans focus on decarbonising their economy while bickering about the relative merits of fracking, nuclear and renewable energy. Hardtalk speaks to Paolo Scaroni, boss of one of Europe's energy giants, the Italian oil company Eni. How can Europe best safeguard its energy future? Lees meer

(Photo: Paolo Scaroni, chief executive officer of Italian energy company ENI. Credit: Reuters)

11/11/2013 GMT

11 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

In-depth, hard-hitting interviews with newsworthy personalities.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria - Lamido Sanusi

4 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

The high price of oil is powering Nigeria's economy to new heights. This year, it's predicted to have grown by over six per cent. So why do some experts say it's more vulnerable now than it was during the global economic meltdown of five years ago? The Governor of Nigeria's Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has accused politicians of flooding the country with dollars to lubricate election campaigning for a presidential poll that's still 18 months away. By then, Governor Sanusi's term of office at the bank will be over. Could he have his eye on a new one - in the presidential palace? Lees meer

Picture: Lamido Sanusi, Credit: Eric Piermont/AFP/Getty Images

Minister of Intelligence, Israel - Yuval Steinitz

1 november 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

There is an unmistakable sense of diplomatic apprehension in Israel right now – at the heart if it a recognition that on a number of key issues, from Iran to peace talks with the Palestinians, the Israeli government is out of step with its key strategic ally the United States. In strategic terms, can Israel afford to go it alone? Lees meer

Picture: Benjamin Netanyahu (left) sits with Yuval Steinitz (right) Credit: Sebastian Scheiner-Pool/Getty Images)

Olympic and America’s Cup Winning Sailor - Sir Ben Ainslie

30 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Hardtalk speaks to the most successful Olympic sailor of all time - British four-time gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie. In September he was part of team USA which enjoyed a spectacular victory against team New Zealand at the America's Cup in San Francisco. But sailing is becoming more and more expensive - with critics saying it is now a niche sport funded by billionaires and enjoyed by the few. How can its appeal be broadened? Lees meer

(Photo: Sir Ben Ainslie)

Italian Politician - Emma Bonino

28 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Emma Bonino has been an outspoken and bold activist for political and social freedoms for decades. She was instrumental in getting Italy to legalise abortion, has campaigned against nuclear energy, racism and sexism. But when she looks at what's happening in Italy today, does she feel that she has lost the fight? Lees meer

Recorded in front of a live audience for the 100 Women season.

Founder of Affective Computing, MIT - Rosalind Picard

25 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Imagine a world where robots can think and feel like humans - Hardtalk speaks to pioneering American scientist Professor Rosalind Picard, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who has advanced the capability of computers to recognise human emotions. In the future, could robots fitted with intelligent computers perform tasks such as caring for the elderly, or fight as soldiers on the battlefield and, if so, what are the ethical implications? Lees meer

Conflict-zone Surgeon - David Nott

23 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

The International diplomatic effort to push Syria's warring parties to the negotiating table continues - as does the mission to eliminate the Assad regime's stockpile of chemical weapons. But all the while the suffering of Syrian civilians intensifies. Hardtalk speaks to David Nott, a British surgeon recently returned from five weeks practising frontline medicine in rebel-held Syrian territory. He calls it the most troubling experience in his 20 years of crisis care. In a conflict such as Syria's, how much difference can a courageous doctor make? Lees meer

Pavel Khodorkovsky

21 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Vladimir Putin rules Russia with ruthless efficiency. Opponents and potential rivals know they are engaged in a dangerous game, and for proof they need look no further than the fate of Mikhail Khodorkovsky: once Russia’s richest man, an oligarch who crossed the Kremlin and who’s been a prisoner for the past decade. Stephen Sackur talks to his son Pavel Khodorkovsky. His father is due to be freed next year but can Vladimir Putin afford to let him go? Lees meer

Film Director - Paul Greengrass

18 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

What do we want from the movies we see? Judging from the global box office returns the answer is escapism, superheroes and awesome special effects. But that’s not how all A-list Hollywood directors make their name. Hardtalk speaks to Paul Greengrass who makes taut, tense films that aren’t always easy to watch. His biggest hits were the Bourne movies starring Matt Damon, his most intense film was probably United 93, based on the events of 9/11, and his new release is about Somali pirates. How does he juggle truth, art and entertainment? Lees meer

Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, UK - Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP

16 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Thanks to Edward Snowden, America's cyber-spy turned leaker, we now know US intelligence agencies backed by the British secretly monitor electronic communications all over the world. In Britain, Snowden's revelations have prompted a ferocious argument between self-styled defenders of liberty and pillars of the security establishment. Hardtalk speaks to Sir Malcolm Rifkind, chairman of the UK parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee. Is the security state a potential threat to those it's supposed to protect? Lees meer

Picture: Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Credit: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Reza Pahlavi Monday 14th October

14 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Are winds of change blowing across Iran? The Islamic Republic's new president, Hassan Rouhani, has engineered a diplomatic opening with the United States. There's optimistic talk of compromise on the nuclear stand-off and an end to Iran's international isolation. Where would that leave die-hard opponents of the regime? Stephen Sackur speaks to Reza Pahlavi, exiled eldest son of the late Shah of Iran and spokesman for the self-styled Iran National Council. Does a figure steeped in Iran's past have a role to play in its future? Lees meer

Chief Executive of NHS England - Sir David Nicholson

11 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

In Britain healthcare is state-funded, free at the point of delivery to all citizens. The National Health Service is routinely described by politicians of all stripes as one of the country's greatest treasures. But the NHS's reputation has been damaged by recent shocking revelations of failings in patient care. Hardtalk speaks to the Chief Executive of NHS England, Sir David Nicholson. Is his health service capable of meeting the shifting demands and daunting financial challenges of 21st Century healthcare? Lees meer

Egyptian Author and Activist - Ahdaf Soueif

9 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Is it time to mourn the death of Egypt’s revolutionary dream? Civilians lead the government but real power lies with the armed forces. Emergency law, military courts, the outlawing of the Muslim Brotherhood - the list of repressive measures invites comparison with the darkest days of the Mubarak era. Hardtalk speaks to Egyptian writer and political activist Ahdaf Soueif. She is part of a movement trying to re-open the road to revolution. But is it too late? Lees meer

Chairman, Indian Cricket Premier League, 2008 – 2010 - Lalit Modi

7 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Thanks to money, media rights and commercialisation, cricket, a game of proud tradition, has been transformed into a multi-billion dollar sporting commodity. The cradle of this cricketing revolution has been India, home of the Indian Premier League – the world’s richest cricket tournament. Hardtalk speaks to Lalit Modi, the creator of the Indian Premier League. He has since been banished from cricket, and his native India, amid allegations of corruption and dodgy dealing. Is greed killing cricket? Lees meer

Adviser to Former British PM Gordon Brown, 2005 – 2009 - Damian McBride

4 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Opinion polls in Britain suggest public faith in politics and politicians has plummeted in the last decade. Why? A lot of powerful reasons lie within the pages of a dark political memoir written by Damian McBride. He was the spin doctor for former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and routinely used smears, leaks and a host of dirty tricks to serve his master's interests and undermine his enemies. In the past Damian McBride never let the truth stand in his way. What about now? Lees meer

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran, 2009-2010 - John Limbert

2 oktober 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

For the second time in his presidency Barack Obama is eyeing the 'reset button' in his diplomatic toolkit. With Russia it misfired, so when it comes to Iran, what are the chances of overcoming three decades of hostility? Hardtalk speaks to John Limbert, the state department's point man on Iran in Obama's first term - and one of the US diplomats held hostage in Tehran 34 years ago. Are the US and Iran ready for the difficult decisions that would truly reset relations? Lees meer

Author and Counter-insurgency Expert - David Kilcullen

30 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Many dozens have died in the Nairobi shopping mall siege raising questions both inside Kenya and elsewhere as to the nature of future terror attacks - who will carry them out, and where? Hardtalk speaks to counter-insurgency expert David Kilcullen. He has worked in just about every conflict zone across several continents, including in Somalia, Kenya and Syria. Is the world in danger of underplaying the current terrorist threat? Lees meer

Greece Minister of Health - Adonis Georgiadis

27 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Those who think the worst of the Eurozone crisis is over should consider what is happening in Greece. Public sector job cuts have prompted a new wave of strikes, a third bailout seems likely as the government wrestles with its crippling debt burden, while poverty and extremist violence threaten the country's social cohesion. Hardtalk speaks to Greece's controversial Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis - is Greece still in a state of slow motion collapse? Lees meer

Chairman, Professional Footballers’ Association - Clarke Carlisle

25 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

It is many a young boy’s dream to become a professional footballer. Understandable given the riches and the adulation on offer to the biggest stars in the world’s most popular sport. But behind football's flashy facade there are real problems - racism, corruption and amongst some players, dangerous levels of depression. Hardtalk speaks to Clarke Carlisle, newly retired professional footballer and chairman of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association. Is there a cure for the sickness in football? Lees meer

Musician - Roger Waters

20 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Draw up a list of the biggest bands in the history of rock and roll and a remarkable number of them will be British. There’s The Beatles and The Rolling Stones of course, but also Pink Floyd, whose albums ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘The Wall’ remain rock classics. Stephen Sackur speaks to Roger Waters, who was a dominant figure in Pink Floyd until he quit in 1985. He is still performing and he remains the most controversial of rock stars. So what motivates him? Lees meer

Picture: Roger Waters, Credit: Torben Christensen/AFP/Getty Images

Samantha Geimer

18 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

In the late 1970s the film director Roman Polanski admitted to having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl. He spent 42 days in prison then fled the United States because he feared being given a longer sentence. Much has been said and written about what happened, but we’ve hardly heard anything from the girl herself. Hardtalk is in New York to speak to the woman at the centre of the decades-old scandal, Samantha Geimer. How has her life been affected by that event nearly 40 years ago? Lees meer

Freedom and Justice Party MP, Egypt - Abdul Mawgoud Dardery

16 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

What now for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and its political wing the Freedom and Justice Party? Rarely has the fall from power of a party been so quick, dramatic and violent. Since President Morsi’s removal by the army, thousands of the Brotherhood’s members and supporters have been arrested, including most of its senior leaders. Hardtalk speaks to Abdul Mawgoud Dardery, a member of the now suspended parliament. What is the Brotherhood’s next move? Lees meer

Garry Kasparov - Opposition Activist and Former World Chess Champion

13 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Vladimir Putin appears to be relishing his role at the centre of the diplomatic manoeuvring over Syria - it reinforces his image as the strong man in the Kremlin. But just how strong is he? A recent round of Russian municipal elections gave the anti-Putin movement a much needed morale boost. Hardtalk speaks to the opposition activist and former world chess champion, Garry Kasparov. Is there any serious challenge to the supremacy of Putinism? Lees meer

Picture: Garry Kasparov, Credit: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP/Getty Images

Prime Minister of Italy - Enrico Letta

11 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Hardtalk is in Italy to speak to the Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta. He is trying to hold together a fragile coalition of left and right, including the party of Silvio Berlusconi, while pushing through a programme of economic reforms designed to stimulate an economy still reeling from the Euro crisis. With the situation in Syria straining international relations, can Mr. Letta keep his government together? Lees meer

Former Adviser to President Obama - Peter Blair Henry

9 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Economists have spent years bemoaning the long-term stagnation of the advanced economies and drawing unflattering comparisons with the dynamic growth in the emerging economies, but is it time to change the tune? The US economic motor is showing signs of life, just as nervousness is sweeping across financial markets from Jakarta to Brasilia. Today's guest is leading American economist and former Obama adviser Peter Blair Henry. He has just written a book about the turnaround in relations between rich and emerging nations but is it already out of date? Lees meer

Raffaele Sollecito

6 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Six years ago a young English student Meredith Kercher was murdered in Perugia, Italy. The investigative and judicial process which followed was fundamentally flawed. Two people, Meredith's American flatmate Amanda Knox, and Knox's boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito spent four years in prison convicted of Meredith's murder. Two years ago they were acquitted on appeal; later this month they will be retried by a fresh appeal court in Florence. Hardtalk speaks with Raffaele Sollecito. His story has made lurid headlines around the world – but how will it end? Lees meer

Picture: Raffaele Sollecito, Credit: BBC

Prime Minister of France (2005 – 2007) - Dominique de Villepin

4 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Is a military strike against the Assad regime in the offing or not? Two weeks after reports emerged of an apparent chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburbs, the West's response is still riddled with uncertainty and confusion. Stephen Sackur speaks to the former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. His country stands ready to join an attack on the Syrian regime, but with who? British parliamentarians voted against intervention, now President Obama is putting his military case before the US Congress. Is this the way to develop a coherent strategy? Lees meer

Picture: Dominique de Villepin, Credit: Pierre Andrieu/AFP/Getty Images

Actor, Writer and Director - Steven Berkoff

2 september 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Allan Little talks to the acclaimed actor, writer and director Steven Berkoff. He’s spent over 50 years in the theatre and on film, rocking the establishment with his outspoken and often angry views. His work ranges from appearances in A Clockwork Orange and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; to adaptations of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. He has also written a number of his own plays – one of which he appeared in at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He believes the art world is letting audiences down by abandoning serious, quality drama to pursue mass audiences. So what is theatre – art or entertainment? Lees meer

Picture: Steven Berkoff, Credit: Stuart Wilson/Getty Images

Secretary General of the Arab League (2001- 2011) - Amr Moussa

30 augustus 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

The Egyptian authorities are drafting a new constitution that would ban religious-based political parties. It's prompted a furious reaction from those who support the deposed President, Mohamed Morsi. They say it will incite "chaos" within Egypt and opens the door to "the system which produced pharaohs". Hardtalk speaks to the country's former foreign minister and former head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa. He supports the new military-backed government but does he trust it to bring true democracy to Egypt? Lees meer

Picture: Amr Moussa, Credit: Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty

Former Bishop of Edinburgh - Richard Holloway

28 augustus 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Hardtalk speaks to the former Bishop of Edinburgh, Richard Holloway. He entered a seminary at the age of 14, intent on becoming a monk and rose to be the leader of the Anglican Church in Scotland. But he gradually lost faith in many of the certainties of Christianity, including the existence of God. He finally resigned from the church, accusing it of cruelly persecuting gay people. So did his own loss of faith betray those he once preached to? Lees meer

Picture: Richard Holloway pictured in 1999

Greek Finance Minister, 2009 - 2011, George Papaconstantinou

23 augustus 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Hardtalk speaks to Greece's former finance minister, George Papaconstantinou – the man who was negotiating Greece's bail out until 2011 and, with it, imposing massive cut-backs in his country. Lees meer

Last month, the Greek parliament voted for him to face criminal charges for allegedly tampering with a list of suspected tax evaders.

The ex-finance minister denies the allegations, and speaking in his first media interview since then, he said he as a “clear conscience”.

Presented by Sarah Montague.

Picture: George Papaconstantinou, Credit: Louisa Couliamaki/AFP/Getty

UN Representative, Syrian Coalition - Najib Ghabian

21 augustus 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

A senior US intelligence official has warned that Syria has become the "predominant jihadist battlefield in the world". As many as 10,000 foreigners could now be fighting there and the US fears they could return as part of a global jihadist movement that threatens Europe and the United States. There appears to be stalemate on the ground: the United Nations says Syria is "in freefall". Hardtalk speaks to Najib Ghadbian, the UN and US representative of the opposition Syrian coalition. What should he and others do to end the crisis? Lees meer

Picture: Syrian refugees cross the border into Iraq, Credit: Safin Hamed/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Former Chancellor, Alistair Darling

19 augustus 2013 · 23 min

Beluister deze aflevering

After almost three years of scraping along the bottom, the United Kingdom seems to be showing signs of an economic recovery from the deep recession that followed the financial crisis in 2008-09. Hardtalk is in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, to talk to Britain’s former Chancellor Alistair Darling. His Labour Party was in charge when the crisis hit. Can he admit that the government’s economic plans might be working? And can he stop Scotland voting to leave the United Kingdom next year, as he takes charge of the No To Independence campaign? Lees meer

Picture: Alistair Darling, Credit: Oli Scarff/Getty Images