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Click here to read comments June - December 2007

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We really enjoyed your interview with Ingrid Betancourt. Is there any chance of a re-broadcast? Once again thanks for a very moving interview, and well done to Stephen Sackur
joseph felicity

Dear Stephen Sackur, I have all my adult life on a daily basis listened to the BBC World Service or in recent years watched BBC World. As a Danish citizen I have in no material way contributed to the BBC. Nevertheless, I feel proud and moved, as when I visit the cemeteries at Flanders Fields where after all no Danes are buried, to be part of a civilization which for all its shortcomings ranks supreme in fighting for and bringing to the attention of the World the standards of human decency, embedded in us all. I have this morning seen your touching interview with Ingrid Betancourt. You must be so pound that this remarkable woman has chosen to share her inner thoughts on her ordeal with you in this interview, and you must also on behalf of the organization of which you are a distinguished member be proud of what she had to say about what the BBC had meant for her during her years of captivity. I write to you this morning to use this opportunity to show my respect for the BBC, which I consider one of the finest products of our western civilization, and in particular to provide a sign of respect and gratitude to those of your colleagues who has given their lives in the defense of the values which the BBC stands for.
Sincerely yours, Knud Jørgen Munk

Thank you for the moving interview of Ingrid Betancourt. It is amazing to me to hear her talk in Spanish, French and English and to describe with so much discretion such terrible experiences and Hardtalk is so sensitive to her situation. The world wants to see Colombia at peace, our Basque Country and the world at peace. Let's hope for some advance in the right direction.
Kate Bromley, Spain

Steven Sackur's interview with Iraqi oil minister Hussein al-Shahristani was most interesting and informative. I wish he had just asked one more question about production sharing agreements (PSAs). Al-Shahristani ruled them out for developing ALREADY PRODUCING FIELDS that are going to be on offer for service agreements in an upcoming bid round this summer. I only wish he had asked al-Shahristani whether PSAs will apply to exploration agreements to find new reserves. I think that it is quite likely that they will. And as the answer to the last question in the interview showed, al-Shahristani is expecting Iraq's proven reserves of around 112 billion barrels to more than double, since he says they will be on the same scale as those of Saudi Arabia, which has proven reserves of 269 billion barrels.
Middle East Editor Argus Media Samira Kawar, UK

In an interview with Uzi Landau, Mr. Sackur suggested that Israel should lift the blockade of Gaza because 250 "well known Jews" support this view. Sackur's statement is both offensive and illogical. Shall we conclude that the world is flat if 250 Christians believe this to be so?! There are Jews who support Ahmedinajad, atheistic Jews, Gay Jews, Labor-Conservative-Anarchist Jews .. and even anti-Semitic Jews. The point missed by Mr. Sackur is that Jews are allowed to dissent!
Steve Berger, Israel

Steve you did all you can to deduce Bob Kagan's position in regards to his advise on foreign policy to Senator McCain. He seemed diplomatic on a series of issues you posed. Finally you caught him on Iran, Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib and Rendition. Hardtalk is one of the greatest BBC programmes in my opinion. Sackur you are the Man.
Nsangou Yenkong Forchu, Cameroon

Stephen, I admire your Hardtalk approach but in this evening's programme interviewing Kagan,the foreign policy adviser to McCain, you didn't raise the fundamental point about the effect of the proposed alliance of true democracies on the UN. The USA has long made clear its frustration with the slowness and lack of key decision making of the Security Council and dislike of the UN in general. This Kagan proposal sounds like an effort to bypass and sideline the UN - hardly a policy to enthuse many democratic countries. You should have pinned him down on this issue. Otherwise, your approach was tough and to the point and he was bested.
Brian Hanks, UK

I have just viewed a very good interview conducted by Stephen Sackur with Mr Robert Kagan. Unlike the sterile, almost deferential interview of the same Mr Kagan, recently on Newsnight, this was insightful and challenged both the interviewee and the audience. The interviewer had obviously done his research and was able to point out intellectual contradictions in Mr Kagan's thesis. Good job Stephen Sackur, hope you start presenting Newsnight soon!
rmatif, UK

I'm disappointed to read in your website that Stephen Sackur asks 'tough' questions. Any chance he could ask some 'searching' or 'penetrating' questions to find out what's really going on?
George Pedder-Smith, Belarus

I refer to one of your titles: "Stephen Sackur puts it to the former Prime Minister of Malaysia that his regime was deliberately and institutionally racist." I saw the interview and I think what actually happened was quite the contrary. Mahathir managed to prove that Western style democracy is redundant in emerging developing nations. Sackur can only resort to changing the subject when he is unable to respond to Mahathirs attacks. Showing even he cannot defend your Western agenda.

I am very sure that you will not publicize this comment. But be very sure to know you have not been able to prove that Mahathir ran a racist dictatorial regime. Most of my fellow countrymen remain unconvinced. Long live Mahathir!
Dusty, Malaysia

The single most engaging interview series on TV. Hardtalk in many ways is like an action movie. Take your eyes off it even once and you may miss the most interesting moment of the interview!
Sriram, India

While traveling last week I had the pleasure of watching BBC World News. However, your interview with Gore Vidal was an insult to any intelligent viewer. Vidal is a complete idiot who filled the interview with many lies. Your interviewer did nothing to correct him. Vidal stated that the media is filled with opinions. Well all his statements were just his opinions.
Marilyn Rice, USA

I have never enjoyed any Hardtalk more than your programme's marvelous guest, Gore Vidal and your own excellence ! Well done Stephen ! Bravo Hardtalk !
Kish Hahn, Waterloo, Canada

We just watched Mr Sackur interview Gore Vidal. Congratulations for a brave effort. It was like eating barbed wire and inhaling laughing gas! We really enjoyed it.
Gabrielle Huria, New Zealand

Your presenter looked ill-equipped for the job, with a tabliod style interview technique and armed with ill-equipped research, and has on more than 3 occasions this morning tried to dig himself out of embarrassing situations. This is a dreadful performance. Get a new presenter - he is full of "hard talk" bark, but when it comes down to it his performance lacks so much so that I felt sorry for the Jamaican leader, and embarrassed for the BBC.
Adam Dunning, Brazil

Great interview with Ms Pisani, without trying to overtly corner her the talk exposed the gross shortcuts of her outlook and the fallacies of her glib moralizing. She seems to confuse the standpoints of African governments, ordinary6 people in sub-Saharan Africa and the media in the West. The idea that "aids is not a very contagious disease" or that it cabn be bagged up as primarily a gay and junkie plague is appalling - whatver the statistics, the length iof time between infection and outbreak makes that pov impossible. And it's kinda laughable that sopmeone who says the medics cried wolf and spoke in too large type in the 80s and 90s, is herself talking of "the Aids mafia"! ;) While Pisani is right on the money about condoms, she totally misses that the reason they are not used more is, strongly, the Bushite US boycott of anyone who advocates cpondoms against aids.
Magnus, Sweden

Congratulations, Mr Sackur, for exposing the appalling inadequacy of the new UN appointee to assess the situation in Gaza. The gentleman should be pensioned off and stick to his academic pursuits, which have nothing to do with the reak world. A freshman in Political Science 101 would be better qualified. The UN, from which I still have hopes, has imfortunately just given ammunition to some of his critics.
felipe catalan, Germany

Stephen Sackur's interview with Morgan Spurlock was a real cracker. Congratulations!
Faithful Viewer, New Zealand

I share the admiration of those viewers who appreciate the remarkable talents of Stephen Sackur in his tight handling of interviewees to squeeze out what is closer to the truth from those evasive ones. At the same time, I am a great fan of Kishore Mahbubani having read his book, "Can Asians Think?" eons ago. Watching this interview, I was struck by the mismesh of questions and answers. Being from the same region as Kishore, I was rooting for him as I am clear as to where he is coming from. Stephen has a way of stumping him with his "Gold Standards" (as observed by Kishore)on western values which are not quite appropriate to the circumstances Kishore was trying to elaborate. In such cross-cultural exchanges, a meta cultural platform has to be established first that is above and at the same time embody both the fundamentals of western and eastern cultural values. Such a platform need to be constructed from a post-modern cross-cultural understanding as augmented with current fi! ndings in evolutionary psychology, neuro-economics and social physics. Only then can the questions and answers has a hope of being compatible.
Alan Chee, Malaysia

Compliments for the hardtalk with Radek Sikorski. I just had a chance to watch the programm. Good that you made some pressure on the minister...he has to learn more relaxed way. At the same time, if you have the possibility, send him my compliments as well; I was well surprised to find such a good representative!
Andrzej Slawinski, PL/CH

Mr. S. Sackur did very good interviews with his visitors G.Baramidze, the deputy Prime Minister of Georgia and the other day with R. Sikorski, Poland's Foreign Minister. Very good questioning and Mr. Baramidze especially had dificulties getting out of the hole. I enjoy the interviews and Mr. S. Sackur deserves credit. Sincerely, E. Sirany.
Egon Sirany, Mexico

I was amazed at the way Stephen Sackur handled the interview with Dr. Mahathir Mohammed.The questions were indeed conscience-probing for the former prime minister of Malaysia, and it will probably give him food for thought in these twilight years of his. He indeed had an unbiased single man tribunal who represented all the long silent sufferers to question the validity of his policies when he ruled Malaysia with an iron fist. Thanks Stephen for being that voice.
Jen Lerner, Malaysia

I'm watching your programme of 27 April 2008. If the trend of the world is to become democratic, what explains the United States's going BACKWARD? We have an allegedly free press, but our commercial media seems not to be getting out the issues in this election. Nor has it really explained what's going on with the "unitary executive" theory, which is now trying to turn our Congress and courts into backwaters? We fought fascism in 1941-45--now we seem to be becoming a fascist state with the acquiescence of most people, fed a steady diet of junk TV.
Carl Ian Schwartz, United States

Mister Jurnalist Sakur, I was shocked with the questions you asked to Mr George Baramidze, it seems like you don't know anything about Georgia and Russia, neither you know anything about their people, their Culture, their History. You use no intelligent questions to attack the Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, how you don't understand that Georgia been a small country can not attack Russia, Georgia is always in danger under the superpower of Russia and their occupation, the Russia of Putin is supporting the separatism within Georgia but at the same time under the Putin regime they killed thousands of people including children, women and old people in Chechnya when they wanted their Independence, the same could happen to Georgia, but for the EU now is more important the Gas and oil from Russia than the people who lives in Georgia. Do you remember how started the second world war, when everybody closed their eyes until the trajedy happened... In the name of the people who were killed in the Russia-Abjasian war against Georgia, in 1992.
Eliso Aguila, Ireland

Has the Doctor lost his mind appearing on Hardtalk? It was so refreshing to see Stephen interview Dr Mahathir and see that corrupt man wiggle when the questions he has avoided for years were being asked. I for one have boycotted all things Malaysian for over 10 years. This is because of Dr Mahathir racist attitude to Australia, his treatment of political opposition and ignorant attitude to all things non Malay. Dr Mahathir's long standing attitude towards Chinese Malays and non Muslims is a clear example of a man riddled with hate and envy. If the opposition parties win elections in Malaysia just watch him wiggle when he is held accountable for his corruption and abuse of power. Thanks again Stephen.
Darryl Ellis, Australia

Good programme, really enjoy the probing questions, but can Mr. Sackur please not interrupt the interviewees. Then it would be a great programme.
Phil Crain, Australia

I thouroughly enjoyed the latest installment of Hardtalk with Kishore Mabubhani not least because it exposed in stark relief the BBC's (un)usually archaic view of Asia . I think many of us in Asia are fast tiring of the West's constant pontification and drivel . I have come to see the West as some old Nanny with horn rimmed glasses furiously wagging her fingers at others perceived shortcomings . I spent several years in the West and feel that there is much there to emulate , but only a fool would swallow all of it hook line and sinker . Mr Sackur , God bless his innocent clueless soul , sounds like he hasn't been to Singapore in at least a decade ( if ever ) and just keeps regurgitating archival material . I mean Wake up and smell the coffee ! Mr Mabubhani hit the nail on its proverbial head ( though it would have been more entertaining if he just hit Mr Sackur on his obtuse head ) . There is little or no disruption in the flow of information in Singapore . We have access to the usual prattle of the BBC , CNN , Fox News et al ... ad nauseam ! We have unfettered access to the Internet ! And if the government called a snap election tomorrow they'd win not beccause we are denied information or some other silly Western notion , but because the electorate has come to trust the elected and the job that they do . We don't just "appear" to be happy Mr Sackur , we ARE happy ! After all , if it looks like a duck , walks like a duck , quacks like a duck , chances are its a duck . Plain and simple . I hope the suits and ties in the hallowed halls of the BBC at least understand this since it seems to have been completely lost on one as obdurate as Mr Sackur . Singapore , like any other country , has its soft white underbelly . This shouldn't be whitewashed , that much is certain . Things have changed , not just here , but in the rest of Asia as well. It seems to me we aren't the ones living in the past , the West has yet to keep itself appraised of what can best be described as a groundswell of change . No doubt we have a long way to go to even come close to the lofty heights Europe has attained , but the going would be much easier if we could just swipe that testy bothersome gnat that keeps droning on around our ears !
Daniel Yew, Singapore

Well done Steven Sacker. Sri Lankan politicians and officils are well trained to distort the picture and to tell lies.
Vino, Canada

You have really nailed Ajith Nivard Cabraal on the core issues, The Sri Lankan central bank governor who was politically appointed by The President Rajapaksa . Mr Cabraal was very evasive and and exposed himself with the already prepared answers and tried heavily brush off the questions but Thanks to Stephen Sackur for bring him back in the line. As the name implies it was really Hard Talk for MR Cabraal. Much Appreciated.
Ruban Ely, Canada

I just watched Hardtalk and Stephen's interview with Dr. Mahatir and was again impressed by the standard. This type of interview with hard hitting questions would be unthinkable on US programs or in many other countries. Instead of the usual blabber served on other channels, you actually raise tough questions and don't let your guests get away with their usual evasive responses. While the questions are tough, you do let the guest answer and appreciate that very much. Often, like in this case, the answers were actually quite revealing not necessarily in a way that the guest intended. Well done.
Thomas Michael, Australia

I just wanted to congratulate Sarah Montague for impressing me with the interview with the Albanian Prime Minister. She was true and direct in a way a journalist should be. In her short interview she gave a lesson to Albanian journalists. In those minutes she has done the job the opposition should have done for 3 years. You can't understand the professionalism of the interview, and the meaning of it, if you read that (because all the Albanians know the facts mentioned) but watching and listening is totally different. Once again thank you, and please make time to interview Albanian politicians, because doing that, you will do a great favour to Albania.
Vojo, Albania

Interesting and very hard question from Sarah Montague to Sali Berisha, but as always with Westerners, she has no clue about facts and fiction. I liked the question on corruption, but Sarah mised the point and did not ask the Premier of any arrests of members of previous government involved in corruption. Also, Susan seems to have lost the balance of getting an answer or interrogating the guest, insisting to get the answer how she wanted.
Flamur Skenderi, Albania

Stephen Sackur for Prime Minister!!!!
Kunal, UK

I can't believe the discussion on at the moment. The interviewer is ignoring the lawyer [Phil Shiner]'s answers. He is being exceptionally rude and biased and right wing. This is a complete mess of an interview. The lawyer is talking of evidence and being ignored. This interviewer is ignoring the main point that the military is a closed court and that therefore not all witnessess and evidence is available. Why should victims of torture in a war be different from in the world in general. Torture is illegal! This interviewer is arrogant and unreliable. If people don't understand the difference between trying people for torture within the army and fighting. The army has my support in their job but if soldiers begin torture then I will no longer support.
Anonymous due to link with the forces, UK

I am appalled by the suggestions made by the interviewer of Phil Shiner on tonight¿s instalment of HARDtalk that we should simply accept human rights abuses by British soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan on the basis that soldiers are under pressure on the battlefield. Human rights are universal values which ought to be applicable during times of war and peace. Those who overstep the boundary between belligerence and brutality should be held accountable by an independent adjudicator. We should be striving for a military service that upholds humanitarian values, and not publicly condoning abuses by our own forces nor accepting such as merely a fact of warfare. Very bad form Mr Sackur!
Kimberley, Wales

After Tim Sebastian I was thinking that Hard Talk would face difficult times. I was wrong. Thanks to Steven Sackur the program is even better. Congratulations! I was pleasantly surprised to watch James Taylor last night. In those days his music was accompanying me while reading Marxist books. Today it still sounds great while I read the works of Plato. Signs of truly great music.
Simon Danielidis, Germany

Can I just say how disappointed I was with Stephen Sackur's James Taylor interview. Getting the title of his most famous song 'Fire and Rain' wrong once was bad enough. But to refer to it as 'Rain and Fire' yet again after James Taylor had both sung the song and referred to its title in conversation shows real lack of any proper research .. I usually enjoy Stephen Sackur's HARDtalk interviews. But in this case it was less HARDtalk and more stupid questions. Why interview James Taylor for this strand anyway? Did someone political pull out at the last minute?
Paul Marshall, Scotland

I've just watched Mr Sackur's interview with Andrew Feinstein about corruption in South Africa. One statement by Mr Sackur made me realise once again just how little Westerners understand about African politics. Mr Sackur put it to Mr Feinstein that if he had gone public earlier with his allegations about corruption in the arms deal, together with senior government officials' overt attempts to cover up, it "may have caused the government to fall". Mr Sackur, governments in Africa do not fall, no matter how serious the allegations are against them, or, for that matter, how blatantly incompetent they are.
Julius Pretorius, Canada

HardTalk is a beautifully conceived program. I admired Tim Sebastian very much. Nonetheless Stephen is also doing good. The timing in india is at 00:30 hrs on weekdays, I request BBC's program co-ordinators to arrange for a better timing in India. I also request to interview Fidel Castro, Dan Brown, Mahinde Rajapakshe, Hu Jintao, Dalai Lama ... :) I love the BBC for sheer quality of the programs (the Doha Debates, World Debates and other documentaries) and I always do my bit to promote it.
Karthik, India

Well done Stephen Sackur and Andrew Feinstein. A well balanced and well handled interview. My main comment on this interview and, in some respects all Hard Talk interviews, is that the interviewers naturally "see" everything from a Western European viewpoint. In this programme, as both the interviewer and interviewee were white English speaking people, their definition of corruption is based on the British and western view. Also being a white person living in South Africa I hold the same views. However to a black African corruption does not necessarily mean the same thing. In fact to the vast majority of black Africans many of the western moral standards are an anathema.
Roger Newby, South Africa

Could Stephen Sackur please shut up and let his guests actually answer the questions he asks. His interview with Prince Hassan would have been so much more interesting if he hadn't constantly interrupted when the prince was trying to answer. I've stopped watching Hardtalk most of the time because all your interviewers are more interested in the sound of their own voices than in eliciting meaningful replies. They seem to be reading their questions from a prepared list and their only concern is to get through the list.
Philip Duke, UK

Dear Mr.Sackur, if we let things go as they do now, we are in for the end of the Free West's place in the world. Allow me a telegram style: First, Europe must get its act together by creating a small federation of West-European countries, so as to have one single, strong Foreign Affairs activity: Task for Merkel and Sarkozy. Second, the unfairness of China not letting its currency float must stop by giving it a choice: Be pushed out of the WTO again or float. We, the West, divided as we are still, have of course been stupid by allowing China in under these circumstances, but this must be turned back if we do not wish to see ALL our best assets being bought by the Chinese in the next few decades. You seem to be one of the very few able to think nowadays.
Edouard Prisse, Netherlands

I have only recently discovered Hardtalk and have been fascinated by this week's excellent Chinese interviews. However listening to the answers given to Stephen Sackur I was reminded of a friend who lived and worked in China for several years. He contended that either the Chinese would answer a different question to the one asked or they would say what they thought you wanted to hear and then carry on in the same way regardless. What do you think? Great programme!!
Lynda Prior, Warwickshire, England

The interview with the ex-president of Microsoft in China is impressive, but the situation in China in terms of free speech is not as bad as we thought before. If you check some chinese websites, it's not hard to find loads of bloggers expressing their anger over government, very harsh and critical words towards the Chinese government are everywhere. As long as you don't agitate the public to do massive public protest, you will be fine. It's not like the media said if you said some anti-government words, you will be jailed. In terms of freedom, westerners are just too harsh on China. We always say do as Romans do, if you want to run business in a country, you have to obey the rules there ... plus there are 1.3 billion people in China, 80% of them are peasants who have very low education and maybe even don't know how to think, how do you expect this country's leadership to lead such a big country and maintain a speedy economic growth?
Vivian, UK

I watched today's "Hardtalk" interview with Wu Jianmin and I was impressed by this gentleman's attitude towards every criticism, even when it came in the form of a suggestion or a hint. He carefully rejected every comment which was not exactly in line with the PRC's government decisions and policy, and I felt very uneasy at the perception that China will probably just disregard possible international pressures to change or redefine their attitudes ranging from using their clout to help in Darfur to - needless to say - more respect for human rights. The interview was sadly illuminating to me. The programme has been, as usual, one of the best you can watch on TV nowadays.
Francesca Ghigi, Italy

Thank you Stephen for your excellent interview with Wu Jianmin. All though we did not get any direct answers to your brilliant questions, the silence talked for itself. In these times your programme and the BBC focus on China, gives hope for all those who support human rights in Tibet and China. Thank you.
Kira Jääskeläinen, Finland

Your interviewers continue to impress and the choice of topics are really interesting and varied, e.g. Jonathon Powell and todays with the Chinese Ambassador. Keep up the excellent work.
Geoff Settle, UK

I record Hardtalk every day. What a splendid program - bless the BBC! No namby pamby interviewing of our leaders and those with influence which we have to suffer 90% of the time! I worry about the interviewers though - it must be terribly stressful to get to grips with a mountain of research on the person about to be interviewed - I hope BBC, you molly coddle these magnificent interviewers, that ask the questions we all want answering .. VIVA! HARDTALK VIVA!
Odette Herbert, South Africa

I like Hard Talk a lot because you have such a great range of guests covering pertinent and fascinating issues. But the style of the programme is unnecessarily adversarial. There is an in built assumption that a Paxman or Humphrys style approach to the questions is the best way to get the most out of the interviews and to get to the nub of any inconsistencies in the guests position. This, however is a narrow approach that simply does not work on many occasions. This is especially true when the guests are not politicians. It is probably a legacy of both the UK adversarial legal system influencing the methods made famous by Paxman, but whilst some grit is necessary at appropriate points in an interview, a blanket adversarial method - no matter what - is too blunt a weapon for the serious, intelligent and informative discourse the programme patently aims for.
David Beaumont, UK

Hello Hard Talk, you are the counterpart to the so-called dumbing down of the world and I look forward always to your programme due to the insight and enlightenment it sheds. My life and the world is a better for this programme.
Simon Mitchell, Germany

.. Congratulations for finally acknowledging Sderot¿s suffering. It¿s about time one of the biggest news networks in the world take a look and report the whole picture, and not narrow it to Palestinian sufferings. It¿s time to take a closer look at who starts these clashes, who¿s using their own women and children as a human shield, and then cry out Massacre to draw the foolish reporters and news networks attention .. As an Israeli and a Jew, I sometimes feel that you Europeans are really, but really mad at us Israelis for daring to protect ourselves. It¿s like you demand we do nothing, dare not fight back, and let the terrorists slaughter us, only to not upset you. Well, NO THANKS.
Elli Shalom, USA

The body language and aggression of Sarah Montague in her interview with the Mayor of Sderot was simply outrageous. And asking him why anybody lives there is offensive and insulting How can a whole people pick up their roots and leave with nowhere to go even if they could afford it.How would she like being under attack and forced to leave her home just to survive. That is no answer. All credit to Mr Moyal for keeping his temper under an unrelenting attack filled with interruptions when he tried to answer her hostile questions
Joy Wolfe, UK

Had I been in Eli Moyal's shoes during his interview with Sarah Montague, my patience with her aggressive and often downright rude manner would have been sorely tested. Instead of having several sips of water during the slanging match - instigated by Montague - I think poor old Eli would have made a better impression had he tipped his water glass on the interviewer to cool her down a bit. She was not at all the impartial objective interviewer we have come to expect from the BBC.
Peter Harradine, Australia

It will be very difficult for BBC to find a replacement of same calibre as Stephen when he is retired. Thanks for making us smarter Stephen with your persistent and quality questions.
Tamina, Bangladesh

This interview was baffling to me. What is the purpose of women leaders talking together. In the light of Darfur, HIV/AIDS in Africa, Iraq and Gaza to name but a few topics that could do with real action not leaders needed to be trained by Elders. What have the Elders done for the poor in South Africa. As opposed to Oprah Winfrey putting money into opening a school. That is what is needed, real action.
Mumtaz Hussain, UK

I am a regular listener of your HARD Talk program. I always appreciate the topics you raise and personalities you interview. For instance the interview you had with Mary Robinson was very fascinating and elightening. Really, the lady is doing a marvellous job to support her fellow women to get organized and stand for their rights. This effort should not only be limited to the women at the top but should reach women at the bottom who bear the brunt of the suffering. Thank you very much and keep up you good program. And my sincere greetings to Stephen Sackur.
Tadesse Alemayehu, Ethiopia

As an American I have watched the BBC from various places around the globe and I have been struck by the negative tone towards all things American. I had long suspected the BBC was not a friend of the US but have now witnessed the subtlety myself. It's rather diappointing on several levels: 1) I would have thought the BBC to be more fair and objective in their journalism; 2) As the US's best friend I expected more from the British, not a free pass mind you, just fair. I don't have a problem with negative news regarding the US, its just there doesn't appear to by any balance of ANYTHING good about or to the United States from the BBC. Is the US a virus on the planet? Because that's the impression I get from the BBC in the form of a predisposed attitude. Hardtalk and Stephen Sackur seem to be especially hard on the US.
Stephen Davis, US

I just finished watching the entire Stephen Sackur interview with Obama's national security adviser, Samatha Powers. It was positively mesmerizing and I couldn't pull myself away from it. He was so focused and thorough in his questioning and yet unfailingly polite. I have never seen an American interviewer who gets so much out of a subject. Wow, our American presidential candidates are darned lucky that they never have to face sitting across the table from your Mr. Sackur. Frankly, it is our loss that is the case.
Michaele Anderson, United Stares

Stephen is great, he really rocks. I like the way he asks question. It shows his hard work and in-depth knowledge. Thank you BBC.
Aamir Shaw Talti, Pakistan

I almost always watch Hardtalk presented by Stephen Sackur. Every time I see his comments about current affairs, I think he has a marvelous insight on various international issues. When I saw his skill to communicate and argue with interviewees on the programme, I could figure out the important skills to have a nice discussion and to be logical, and bring the most sensitive and important issue. On top of that, I could have unbiased perspectives on what is happening in the world. I really appreciate it. Actually, I really want to be a pen pal for Stephen.
Kim Seong Rae, Republic of Korea

Stephen Sackur is probably one of the best hosts for Hardtalk: reliable, confident and exact in his inquiries. Today we had a great sample of the journalistic masterpiece, i.e. Hardtalk with former KGB officer Lugovoi. Even talking to this kind of impudent, shameless and outrageously agressive liar like Lugovoi, Mr Sackur has managed to show us the full truth about this dangerous individual and his invisible protectors.
David Hume, Sweden

I watched today's HardTalk. Mr.Sackur was splendid in candid questioning of Mikhail Margelov, the minister of Russian foreign relations committee. I was especially impressed by the way Mr Sackur extracted "admittance" of inhumane practices by the Putin government from the Russian official. Well done!
Shanthi Raam, USA (currently living in India)

I have to say that Suckur¿s interview with Peskov marks his weakest performance I have ever seen during the last few years. Peskov was entirely impenetrable. He is either extremely smart by nature, or did his home work far better than Sackur before the interview. More generally, in light of the last couples of programs, it appears that the Russian elite has a distinct debating advantage¿they know how the Westerners argue, but the Westerners don¿t know how the Russians argue.
Eduard, London, Canada

BBC Programs such as 'Inside Russia', which brought the spotlight on the Russian Oligarchs, and of course this HARDtalk episode with Dimitri Peskov have shown me that what is happening in Russia is not what popular western media would have people believe. One can only arrive at this conclusion by reading between the lines and of course, a general cynicism of all media. To me, Vladimir Putin is a man who wants most of all to elevate Russia to a stature that befits a great nation that it inherently is. There is no doubt that opportunists who have been supported by very powerful and wealthy backers outside of Russia were systematically and ruthlessly looting the country, not just of its wealth but also of its power. In a world where a war such as the one imposed on Iraq can take place, who dare cast the first stone? Dimitri Peskov said as much, nothing less, nothing more.
Suresh, Canada

I'm Russian. And I want to thank you for your program with Dimitri Peskov. Need to tell you that each and every word of his was a lie! And I'd like to thank your host for being so well prepared for this talk. The world needs to know!
Igor, Russia

Gavin Esler should be relocated to the soft-talk department. His agenda of 'stinging' questions was too rigid to challenge the extraordinary current of lies offered by the former Israeli deputy defence minister, Efraim Sneh. Just one example of many; how will the viewer discover that, contrary to Sneh's remarks, Israel is responsible for Gaza's economic, social and psychological distress. All Hamas had to do with it was get democratically elected. One more; how does Sneh know that Gazans don't hate Israel but hate Hamas? I don't think he has spent any time on the streets of Gaza City. An ordinary viewer might just believe him. I expect a lot more from a program titled 'Hardtalk'.
Hisham Moustafa, Australia

How embarrassing to see Stephen Sackur behaving like a politically-corrected poodle boy with his inane questions to Desmond Morris. We all laughed round here as we watched Morris squirming in his seat within 5 minutes of the programme when he realised that Stephen Sackur had not got a clue about what he was talking about, and that he had better quickly dumb down and soothe the politically-corrected poodle boy's nerves. Maybe Mr Sackur should read a bit more science and a little less feminist propaganda.
Charles, London

I enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know Desmond Morris better through this interview than through his books alone. Mr Sackur's persistent yet still respectful questioning of the basis of Mr. Morris's points of view and his conclusions was very helpful. I'd be curious to see Mr Sackur interview Ken Wilber on his view on the evolutionary development of mankind, how far we have come so far and where we are headed. Wilber's view on the development of societies along the evolutionary path through the stages of consciousness would be a very valuable follow-up, I believe.
Konrad Stiglbrunner, Austria

I watched Stephen Sackur's interview of Desmond Morris with some scepticism. Okay, so he wrote The Naked Ape, but that was in the 60's. I agree with his general premise that humans are still governed by animal instincts, no doubt about that. However his generalization about characterizing males as stupid ("...women have more common sense") cannot be accepted as factual coming from an 'expert'; we males would know. Not that women are any less smarter or more. I believe personally, and I know that there will be dissenters, that both the sexes of any species are driven to do what they do due to the sex hormones, especially, testosterone. Males naturally 'blessed' with this hormone would endow them with the propensity to take risks and a single-minded drive to destroy perceived imbalances of power or inequality for selfish reasons or otherwise .. Simply put, Desmond Morris's fame brought about by authoring the 'Naked ape' does not, it is quite clear from the interview, make him an expert on human behavior or social mores; at least not by today's standards. However, I must admit that when he did write the book, his ideas were genuinely eye-opening. I would have liked Stephen to have been a bit 'harder' in his questioning in this particular case. Lastly I would like to say that I particularly enjoy HARDtalk by Stephen Sackur, one of the many excellent programs produced by the one and only BBC.
Suresh, Canada

Who is this Peter Carey bloke? His opinions on Australia are not Australian. The stolen generation was a tragedy but why do these socialists continue to focus on the negative aspects of our history? Every civilisation has had traumatic events occur. Australia is no different. Many Australians wonder why the government is saying sorry. I am not sorry for the rule of law or the education system our country provides, nor the sheer benefits you receive because of the colour of your skin. As a white Australian I am at an extreme disadvantage because of the colour of my skin. I don't get free housing, cars, insurance, benefits, schooling, clothing, protection and the list goes on. Why don't you get someone on your program who can give a genuine and accurate account of what is going on in Australia?
Harry Hu, UK

I watched with interest the interview with Peter Carey on 12 Feb on the Stolen Generation. As an Australian I was both disapointed and angered by his flagrant disrespect for Australia and Australians. It's clear that Peter Carey has lost touch with the realities of some of our very important heritage and is either ignorant or dismissive of what it has taken to achieve arguably the best living environment in the world today. Mr Carey made negative reference to Gallipoli and other significant aspects of Australian history relating to our country, never once touching on the enormous number of lives that have been lost in making our country what it is, or preserving the very security and heritage that he claims to enjoy. Had Australians not sacrificed themselves then surely Australia would have had an Asian name and Mr Carey would be working in a Toyota factory instead of enjoying his idealistic world .. I will never read his works and would encourage the world to follow suit, he is a disgrace to Australia. The Hard Talk episode was a nonsense and strayed away from the real intent which was to discuss in open forum the Stolen Generation, something that all Australians want to see acknowledged, but not in the left wing, socialist terms of Peter Carey. Wake up Peter, it is 2008.
Glenn, Australia

The interview with Richard Douglas about opium eradication in Afghanistan was in itself a good example for why the problem continues to grow. It just repeated how the West focuses on superficial, counterproductive solutions (eg. crop spraying) instead of the actual root causes which ARE within the West¿s control. Until the real causes are recognized and addressed, the problem will only get bigger.

Yes, there are big complex causes for the growth of the opium problem internal to Afghanistan, but the interview didn¿t even mention the main cause of it: demand for opium in the Western countries. Not a single word was mentioned about who is involved from the borders of Afghanistan to places like the UK and USA. The problem is not really how much grows in the fields, the real problem is how much makes it to users in the West. And how exactly does this transfer happen? Who at all the borders let it happen? Which transport companies are carrying it? Which trucks? Which ships? Which airlines? Who are the king pins receiving it in the Western countries? How do they distribute it? Who all is involved locally? Who stores it? Sells it? Who are all the people in the West who benefit directly or indirectly by the opium growing in Afghanistan? How is it that the world¿s highest production of opium gets from one of the world¿s poorest places to richest places on earth? ..

Until the West looks at how some of its own problems are the cause of the Afghan opium problem, nothing will change for the better. The demand for opium and the ability to deliver it in Western countries should be seen as far more alarming, and by far a much bigger problem. If there was not such a vast demand, the opium poppies would be pulled out by the farmers themselves. It is amazing that after all this time, counter narcotics programs still don¿t see the main root causes.
Jane Thomas, Pakistan

Hardtalk team, thank you and big ups yourselves for the high grade journalism. Stephen, I'd very much like to know what you think... your highly adaptive and structurally exquisite questioning technique rarely fail to amaze and entertain me. You always, as we say in Canada, friggin' smoke 'em... and all for the public's benefit... In asking the viciously personal (and seemingly inappropriate or unfair) questions of the people doing good, you allow them to shine in their full glory; in incessantly undermining the position of those deserving a thorough undressing, you take no prisoners.

My question is, why is the high grade of interviews at the level of Hardtalk not the norm? Do we not, in Canada, or the US, or the rest of Britain, have a single person capable of interviewing with such depth and precision? Why is it not the norm?
Andrew, Canada

I am currently watching Steven Sackur interviewing (quite well I might add) Richard Douglas about the drug problem of Afghanistan produced heroin. He started by quoting a one time US ambassador to the UN stating that the US war on drugs is unwinnable. That brought to mind a book review of a book written by an ex-DEA agent/employee who stated the "war on drugs" is not winnable and isn't intended to be won .. I believe that if the USA took the money that they are spending on the endless war on drugs and bought all the illicit drugs in the world directly from the producers they would save rather a lot of their money. That would of course be expecting wise choices!
Robert Sveinson, Canada

I loved HardTalk with Tim Sebastian! He is great! But the other journalists are fine also. I like very much to look at this programme which is the one I prefer!
Nicole Fraysse, Spain

I just saw your show with Asma Jahangir and I just want to say "Thumbs Up". Your questions were not answered back directly and sometimes she was "speechless" and she went on about something else. Whatever you said is actually happening, your references were strong and evident and she looked out of place. Despite what the president is doing and the international journalists/United States approving it, people like her and the opposition who despite taking part in the elections just keep on whining. She went on about "needing a democratic system" well that is what is happening. She labels the opposition parties like PPP and PML as corrupt, the current government as corrupt and then she talks about a small percent of Pakistan which are lawyers and doctors. To sum it up, she wants a system WHICH is being granted but still she's complaining and secondly she wants the president to quit and then she has no answer as to who will takeover as the other parties are corrupt too, complete senseless. I believe Musharraf is doing a great job which is evident and appreciated by international officials and people like Asma Jahangir can just talk and have no basis to her conversation. She's talking about the problem which is being solved but she does not have a solution OR the people/intellectuals to stop talking and actually acting IF shes not happy with the current policies. Thumbs up to Stephen for wonderful questions and leaving her completely speechless. Pakistan is on the right track. It's just people like her and opposition parties who are hungry for power that are complaining.
Akbar Ghaffar, Pakistan

I just watched your interview with Studs Terkel. What a brilliant man. Humble, wise and inspirational. I was so impressed with his mind and his ability to eloquently discuss matters of the world with such common sense (which is not so common these days). The world needs to listen to him speak. I am going to watch it again. And I am going to buy his book. Thank you for interviewing him, you did a good job.
Sarah Jamieson, New Zealand/Netherlands

Unable to sleep I flicked on the TV last night to find the Studs Terkel interview part way through. What a find amongst the backwash of late night dross. As soon as I recognised the twang and drawl of Studs I was hooked. 95 and as sharp and articulate as any Hard Talk interviewees. Better than most in fact. I found the interview to be inspirational. Both the pace and questions were rewarded with insightful, thoughtful and provocative answers.

I have read three of Studs' books and I'm always left realising that everyone has a story to tell but it is rare people like Studs that can extract and share with us the humanity of those tales. Congratulations to Stephen and all concerned.
Rod Bryans, Jersey

I watched the interview of the President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Koroma with Badawi. I fail to understand why Badawi is set against the Special Court in Sierra Leone. I want her to know that the Special court in Sierra Leone is necessary to end impunity. Perpetrators of atrocities should know that there will be no hiding place for them. African states have been all too happy to forgive and forget perpetrators such as Hissene Habre of Chad, Idi Amin of Uganda, Bokassa of Central African Republic, Colonel Mengustu of Ethiopia and others. The Europeans, on the other hand, have always tried and punished those that perpetrate atrocities that tatamount to Crime Against Humanity. The Nuremberg trials, the trials at the the Hague readily comes to mind. I am surprised Badawi did not ask President Koroma why he is busy sacking SLPP members and those that he perceived to be SLPP members or sympathisers from their jobs. A recent case in point is his dismissal of the Chief Justice by sending him on leave and appointing his replacement as the Chief Justice which is contrary to the constitution of Sierra Leone as the judge has not yet reached retirement age nor sick or brought disrepute to his office.
Mohamed Savage, Australia

The interview I just watched between Dick Armey and Stephen Sackur was fantastic. Armey held his own against an intelligent onslaught. Well done Sackur, best interview I've watched for yonks.
Martin Quartermaine, UK

You research and interview very very well. I very much look forward to your interviews. Congratulations to your parents of course.
Jonathan Clark, New Zealand

After watching your interview with the renowned Economist Austan Goolsbee and hearing him talk rather kindly of the 'misguided' Economic Policies of the Bush Administration, I was struck by the thought that I have not really heard anyone anywhere with the exception of Paul Krugman, Economist and NY TImes Commentator, talk of the Bush economic Policy (a.k.a Spending like a Drunken Sailor Policy) for what I personally believe it is all about and so, therefore, as far as Bush is concerned, a great success. I believe that Bush has deliberately spent the US Treasury broke and my country deeply into debt in a devious plan to utterly destroy what he would call 'Big Government'... And, he has done so while draining much of the treasury into the coffers of his friends and supporters and special interests and into dark black holes all along the way. His efforts seem well designed to pull the entire ground out from all that many of us would hear rightwing radio call ''Dem Darn Liberal Programs and Entitlements'' that were born out of the deliberate efforts and ideals of FDR's New Deal and LBJ's Great Society Concepts and Constructs [...] I would think that the law is the law and no man is above the law, not the President or Vice President--- not even the those who are bound by the law to become the Impeachers. And so, Congress is bound by the Constitution to immediately IMPEACH THESE TWO PUBLIC CATASTROPHES. Congress has no choice in the matter even as they act like they do...
Robert S., US

I think Stephen is an excellent journalist and generally does a great job in Hard Talk. All of his guests are very interesting people and I would like to have the opportunity to learn more about the nuances of their various positions on particular issues. It is often frustrating to see these people hemmed in by a tight line of questioning before they have been able to clearly articulate a point of view. Apart from the above concern, I think this is a great programme.
Matt, Japan

Is it just me who's a bit scared that the Rev. Jackson's only reasons around Obama being elected (and for that matter anyone else who supports him) center around money, personality and race? What about policy, intelligence, a knowledge of the international community and politics, enviromental concerns, or even gay rights? What a smoke and pony show. Are Americans completely ignorant of everything but drama and money?
Jeremy Janz, Vancouver, Canada

I am saddened at seeing Mr. Githongo at the interview giving views about this country where he has not been living for the past two years! Githongo, you looked like you had no idea of what you were talking about at the interview. Jonathan Charles actually had facts of which you didn't have a clue! Jonathan was simply asking what are the problems, for how long they have there, what are the solutions, period!!! Not about some corruption some time back!! Then you commented that your thougts are with the Kenyans suffering/displaced persons! You baffle me,you are in the UK what idea do you have of our suffering, my displacement? .. Jonathan, please invite somebody else who does not need to shelter themselves from the truth, but I have to say, you are good, you had well researched well in your topic and presented it as it is. Long live KENYA!
Wanjiru Njenga, Kenya

I just listened to Stephen Sackur's interview (in 2006?) of Geert Wilders & I was appalled at the lack of imbalance in Sackur's technique. He was clearly 100% against the interviewee from the very start & made his own views patently clear. Once again shame on the BBC which is so very far from being neutral it is beyond belief. No matter the views of an interviewee, UK taxpayers must expect balance, fair play & giving the interviewee his space. After all what is the point of the invitation to an interview?
Howard Davis, UK

I watched Hardtalk tonight where Jonathan Charles interviewed Dr Azzam Tamimi and was very impressed with Dr. Tamimi¿s responses. I hope that if the BBC passes on feedback to its guests on Hardtalk that you will forward him this message.

I thought his responses were clear and rational and he dealt very well with Jonathan's hard talk. I hope that Hardtalk will soon invite on a representative of the Israeli leadership and put across an equally difficult barrage of probing questions sympathetic to the Palestinians?

Having watched the program I feel a deep sympathy for the Palestinian people and I thank Dr Azzam Tamimi for highlighting the struggle of the Palestinian¿s to me and others. I'm also glad that he hasn't chosen to blow himself up in a last act of desperation .. I am glad that he has not had to resort to that action and instead has chosen to express with clarity the plight of his people.

I feel certain that the conflict will not be resolved before Bush leaves office and indeed would be surprised at a resolution until the next generation of leaders ¿ his children¿s generation - take power. However, before the right course is achieved history has its heroes and its prolific campaigners whose foresight is admired and I think Dr Tamimi is clearly amongst the thinkers who will prevail in this conflict assuming our global community drifts towards a moral and ethical existence ..
Richard O'Byrne, London, UK

Why is there a picture of a pizza in the background behind your guests? I admit it looks appetizing, and if the program were sponsored by Pizza Hut or Dominos it might be appropriate, but I just dont get it. You were interviewing a Palestinian guest; shouldn't it a bowl of falafel or 'hummus' (!) or something, rather than a pizza? There was also what looked like a round of cheese or an orange slice, it was hard to tell. What has food got to do with the subject matter being discussed? WHY A PIZZA??
David Wenbert, United States

Hello Stephen, I enjoy your programs, but some times you are rude to some people, eg the former Russian adviser to Putin. Also, if you ask, wait for the reply, do not interrupt. It is a very interesting show so many people are interested to watch Hardtalk. It is a very good programme.
Lamin Sawo, The Gambia

This is "Hardtalk" that's why it is tough and one should be well prepared to answer questions however intimidating. Stephen you did a great job on Raila and Karua's interview. Through such the truth comes out. If you are soft it gives time to fake answers. Remember the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson is broken down after playing tough for a while until Tom Cruise uses hard talk then he gives in. If one has nothing to hide,they should not fear intimidation. Keep it up Sackur.
Beth, Sweden

I watched Mr. Stephen Sackur's interviews with Mr Odinga and Ms Karua. It's clear that he is biased. He allowed Mr. Odinga to answer his questions without interuptions and even apologized when he did interupt him. However, not only did he have another guest on the show during Ms Karua's interview but both of them made allegations and then did not allow her time to respond leaving the listener/watcher to interpret in their own way. This kind of bias and obvious favoritism in the interviews took away from an otherwise very informative dialogue with both dignitaries.
Jane Awino Maina, USA

Stephen Sackur is a really professional interviewer. I watched his interview with Raila Odinga the ODM opposition leader of Kenya. Sackur remained focussed on his questions even as Raila tried to dilly dally he made him get back on track and answer. Sackur demonstrates attention to detail and it is very easy for the audience to catch the convictions of an interview especially when he stammers and lacks confidence. A good candidate for any interview should have answers at his finger tips, should demonstrate confidence throughout and not emotions. It is important to prepare for an interview well in advance to avoid being caught off guard. I do not think that it is Sackur who is intimidating as his questions are straight forward considering that the subject issues are not new to the interviewee. I have not come across another one like Sackur. Keep up the good job.
Teresia, London

In all honesty, after interviewing both the Kenyan Minister for Justice Martha Karua and opposition leader Raila Odinga, can you publicly accuse the Kenyan govt of not having dialogue. At least the world got to see who is fooling who. Second, you failed to ask an important question: in the just concluded elections, all civic parliamentary and presidential were conducted by the ECK, how can Raila argue that the body conducted others fairly apart from the presidency? Isn't it hypocritical for him to accept to be sworn in under a president he does not acknowledge just to earn a salary then ask people to go protest and he doesn't get out of his car to join them and simply drives by the protestors? He is not commiting to accept recount results if he is not the winner, he is not willing to be out of parliament even if the elections were rigged, he wants a rerun, what about the votes of the thousands displaced, don't they count? Will a rerun increase or decrease the violence? A good point was made though, he was part of Moi's government and Kibaki's government, his father was part of Kenyattas, so if the ruling class has been to blame for the inequality, then he shares the blame. And he is not poor by any standards ... As a media house you should send a clear picture to the world, not just report what the leaders say like its biblical truth. True journalism calls for a more indepth analysis and at times character analysis too.
Stella, Spain

Mine is a compliment for a superb job done by Stephen Sackur when interviewing Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga. The questions were incisive, frank and focused. Although Mr Odinga did not give clear answers to all the questions, the interviewer repeatedly pinted out to the fact that for a compromise to be reached, the leaders must be prepared to engage in a dialogue without preconditions. And they also must condemn violence. Thanks Stephen Sackur, well done.
Nyasani, Australia

Stephen Sackur: Am I wrong, or is there a policy in HardTalk production that interviewees should be goaded, interrupted, encouraged to become angry with the interviewer? Or is Mr Sackur simply the kind of thoughtless, not very well educated person who accomplishes that without being asked to? Hard Talk could be better.
James Frieson, Japan

Hello Stephen Sackur, I must agree that you are excellent. I am a Kenyan, living in Canada. It is very shocking what happened back home. I watched you interview Ms. Karua today (Jan 8, 2008). I was surprised by her comments to most of the questions asked. I think her tone and body language said it all - how arrogant Kibaki's government is. It is clear that Ms. Karua and Kibaki's government is not concerned about the common Kenyan .. If Kibaki's party is not guilty, why not conduct fresh elections. There should be no reason for being adamant. They know very well that petition in court might take as long as they want or in power. I hope Stephen that you understand this. I am glad you asked her why Kibaki had not delivered for the past 5 years. This government has failed Kenyans in one important issue among many others: The Kenyan Constitution - a promise that was not fulfilled. I concur with Edward Clay that Mr. Kibaki's government has vomited on the shoes of all of us. For the sake of stopping the violence and for the sake of the common Kenyan, Kibaki should do the right thing: STEP DOWN.
Faith, Canada

I just watched the the interview done by Steven Sackur with the Kenyan Minister of Justice and Sir Edward Clay - I have no intention of watching that progam again - it was exactly as he "feared" - arrogant bullying by arrogant and ignorant Brits. It reflects very badly on the BBC and leads people to question the credibility of the organization - pure entertainment for those that like that kind of stuff - he practically belittled and tried to side line the very serious and obvious issue of ethnic cleansing in order to continue his crude bullying of the Minister who came accross very well considering. It is very obvious why Mr Sackur is popular - he is a Jerry Springer type character but with a BBC twist.
William O'Brien, Barbados (ex UK/Eire)

I have no issue with Stephen Sackur's forceful and searching questions. What I found discourteous and frankly bad journalism was his inability to allow General Mike Jackson to answer his questions. No sooner was Mike starting to answer Sackur's question than he was interrupted by a supplementary without allowing Mike Jackson to answer the first part. Stephen Sackur has yet to learn the difference between hard, searching questions and the courtesy to allow the subject to complete his answer. It really detracts from the quality of the interview. We watch Hardtalk to hear the guest NOT Stephen Sackur. Ask the question, Stephen, as tough and brutal as you like, then zip the lip and allow the subject to answer the question without further interruption. Watch a video of the interview and then watch old videos of Dimbleby (pere et fils) to learn how to be tough and courteous like Mike Jackson but emphatically NOT like Stephen Sackur. Such a pity .. with more experience Sackur could be a good interviewer ... just not yet.
Stephen Hall-Jones, Cayman Islands

Just watched the interview with the very collected General Sir Mike Jackson, excellent program, fascinating dilemma. Thank you.
Ben Vaux, UAE (UK ExPat)

On returning home from a late New Years Eve Party (relatively sober.. promise!), we made coffee and switched on the TV. We didnt take much notice at first but then there was silence. It was the interview by Stephen Sackur with Beverley Aspinal of Fortnum and Mason. At the end I said "I enjoyed that".. my partner said exactly the same. We think this was because the interviewer was spot on and didn't goad the interviewee, but allowed her to talk. None of the usual 'trying to pick an argument'. It was a really nice change.
Vee Cooke, UK

What an excellent journalist you have in Stephen Sackur. It is impossible to find a better presenter for Hardtalk. I am an old Swedish lady and listen to him and his wonderful English every time he has a program. Take good care o