Find out what you had to say about Question Time on Thursday, 30 March, 2006 from Moscow.
The topics discussed were:
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:
Sanctions on Iran
Audience question: Do you believe Russia should use its UN veto to prevent sanctions being imposed upon Iran?
You said:
Why is Mr Putin not concerned about the future of a program that could lead to a very serious situation that could so easily get out of hand & escalate into something like Iraq.
Peter, Horncastle Lincolnshire
Text: Anything that stops another country getting nuclear weapons has to be good.
Kelly O, Sheffield
India and Israel are in no way similar to Iran. Iran should be stopped before it is too late and let us not forget that Pakistan is responsible for Iran having nuclear capability.
Sree Kumar, London
Text: Let Iran go nuclear. That's what the balance of power is all about.
Sim, Godalming
Text: Old Russia equals New Labour.
John, Durham
G8 presidency
Audience question: How does the situation with human rights and freedom of speech in Russia sit with its presidency of the G8?
You said:
I think it is a great irony that Russia sits in the club of countries that supposedly seeks to uphold democracy - the G8. But the Kremlin practices demonstrate the exact opposite. Russia is so intolerant and in my opinion makes the G8 illegitimate by virtue of its membership. Are the US and UK trying to gain political mileage by inviting the Kremlin to the club?
Eddy Orinda, Kharkov, Ukraine
I only wish the Russian public could have watched this. As the young man in the audience said, before talking about influencing the near abroad/international world, try sorting out Russia's massive problems first; that's those problems that affect the vast majority, not the chosen few.
Stephen Thomas, Moscow
How can you call Russia a G8 country?, If you board a train in Moscow and take an eight-hour train ride east, you arrive at a city/town that lacks infrastructure and facilities for its own people, let alone visitors, unlike any other G8 country. Take a train from Ottawa, Canada to Alberta, Canada and you find a proper platform and station and modern infrastructure upon arrival. When a Russian city makes it into the UN's top 20 cities in the world to live in, maybe true G8 status can be considered.
Juan Sanchez Enriques, The Big Smoke (Toronto)
I think the young lady in the audience made the most important point when referring to the development of democracy. Every country develops its own form of government over many years and if Russia does become a democratic nation it will take time for the people to evolve to the idea of democracy. In Bulgaria they have a democratic government but all the teachers and the vast majority of the population have been educated under communism. It will take many years for Western ideologies to drift into Bulgaria and Russia and eventually these countries will evolve their own model of government and democracy.
Ed Turley, York
The show diplomatically avoided getting into much in depth debate about democracy, state control of the media and the Belarusian election - pity. Andrei Illarionov's comment about panellists' relative access to Russian live television airtime was telling - the Putin administration's total control the broadcast media, development of ideologically driven groups (such as the Nashi youth movement) and cynical manipulation of the concept of 'democracy' goes to the heart of questions such as G8 leadership and how Russia should be treated by the international community.
David Connor, London
Text: Having the G8 in your backyard seem to always cramp the host's style.
Gary B, Uxbridge
Text: Let us make Russia our friend, not our enemy.
Richard, Ramsgate
The mere fact that Russians are discussing their views and opinions in front of a live audience of millions of BBC viewers is surely a sign of some greater democratic freedom?
Lee Jones, Caerphilly
Text: Russia is not wealthy enough to preside over Peckham, let alone the G8.
Mike, Kent
Why is the US and in some cases, the UK, so intent in imposing their own views on other countries. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Perhaps both the UK and the US should focus on getting their own houses in order before looking into others.
Mark Davies, Dundee
Text: Putin is to democracy what Blair is to integrity.
Paul, Yorkshire
Text: Russia lost democracy with the collapse of the Soviet Union and are now slaves of capitalism.
Comrade Miller, Chesterfield
I think it is a good thing that Russia can host the G8 summit. The West should not isolate Russia. We need Russian energy and by constantly engaging with Russia the West can ensure that media freedom, democracy and human rights are respected in Russia. Russia is an emerging democracy and President Putin is not as bad as some people like to portray. There were worse dictators, like Pinochet and Saddam, whom the West supported once. Putin is nowhere near them. So I congratulate Russia and wish the G8 a productive summit.
Ajith Dharma, Enfield, UK
Text: To allow Putin to take power, the Russian bear truly is a bear of little brain.
Paul, Bentley
Text: We need Russia as a counter to American imperialism.
Kate
To Douglas Alexander with comments about human rights: can you tell the audience how it is alright for the British Government to go against its own pensioner populations' human rights with how its pensions are paid, and in the process destroy society with the closure of the local Post Office, yet feels it can complain about the Russian human rights issue?
Mark Kelly, Swansea
Text: If Putin has his way, no more expressing views on QT.
Kim, Herts
Text: Having the G8 in Russia is not good enough reason for QT to be there. Waste of licence-payers' money.
Colin
According to the CIA website Russian GDP in 2005 was higher than in Canada and just 10% less than in UK. Why does everyone say that economically Russia does not fit into the G8?
Alexey, Edinburgh
Spying games
Audience question: The NGO rock-spying saga appeared farcical to the ordinary person. Is there such distrust between our two countries that we still have to play these cloak and dagger games?
You said:
Ambrose Bierce in his 'Devil's Dictionary' said: "Diplomacy: The patriotic art of lying for one's country." Doesn't this statement justify any spying games?
Julia Gumanova, Moscow
Text: Intelligence gathering will always go on. Western countries spy on each other.
David, Surbiton
Text: Can't believe how Soviet in mentality some of the government representatives are!
Mark, Oxford
Text: Lenin spurned the chance of a true democracy, Putin is repeating history's mistakes.
Christian, Blackpool
Energy and super-power status
Audience question: Is Russia set to use energy as a basis for recreating super-power status?
You said:
I think Russia is accepted to G7 only because Europe depends a lot on Russia's natural resources. We Lithuanians know VERY WELL what it means to be dependent on Russia's oil and gas... We had our blockades...
To Garry Kasparov: thank you for your participation in the discussion on the BBC!
Irmantas, Vilnius, Lithuania
Whether the West likes him or not, President Putin was democratically elected by the Russian people. Some British people are shockingly naive in believing that if natural resources are controlled by private companies it is a sign of democracy and is good for the economy. Capitalism is all about profit, and profit at any price. I'd rather have gas, oil, water and public transport under the control of the Russian Government than of profit-obsessed company bosses. Natural resources are the common wealth of the people and not the private feeding trough of greedy individuals.
Tim Maher, London
Europe's relation with Russia as a major supplier of energy requires particular attention. Will Russia behave like Saudi Arabia and use its energy to generate influence over its neighbours? Listening to the discussion over the Ukraine gas affair and compare that the gas supply to Belarus where the Government is sympathetic to Russia (if not its own people) and we have every reason to be concerned.
The current regime has taken control of the energy in Russia. A political party's requirements are to stay in power which is not to make a profit or necessarily supply the product. As pointed out by the panel high oil prices are good for Russia. It doe not matter how those prices are kept high. Fear of conflict or conflict itself has traditionally been the reasons. Hence it follows if you are cynical that Russian foreign policies will not match those of Europe. Again we have every reason to be concerned. Perhaps the French were correct when in 59 they decided that they would not be dependent on another country for their energy and built all those power stations. Excellent Programme.
Jacky Kenna, London
The more we continue to allow Russia to have it's geopolitical position as main energy provider to key UN member states we allow them the leverage and freedom to dictate certain international issues, this based on Russia's fairly medieval nationalistic approach is a huge mistake. Western countries must show them that we are working on alternative fuels and their days of control are numbered. As did the Americans after the Second World War, they are capable of effectively completely "turning off" the West. As we saw with its recent cutting of gas to The Ukraine. Russia's resources are a more powerful asset than any amount of weapons. This is a massive problem that completely justifies Russia being suspended from membership of the G8.
Joshua Wood, Manchester
Text: Our gas and oil prices are only high because of Europe's manipulation of the markets.
Grant, Chesterfield
Text: We stand a better chance of cheap gas from Russia than from France.
Cath, Lincoln
This question shows exactly the difference between the G7 (industrialised, democratic states) and Russia. The energy industry of the G7 states are private companies engaged in business, compared to the Russian energy companies, which are used by the state to gain political power. Russia therefore should be excluded from the G7 until that fundamental school of thought has changed.
Ramon Preuss, London
Text: Most of Russia's fuel comes from former "Soviets".
Tony, Stranraer
Text: Our government's lack of an energy policy just plays into Putin's hands.
Andy, Liverpool
General comments
You said:
Excellent programme. Well done.
1. Please can we have more from abroad?
2. Why not QT twice a week? There's tons for us to debate.
3. The best programme on TV and vital for British democracy.
Alan Greenslade-Hibbert, Mollington, Banbury
I believe this whole exercise was designed to put the Russian nation on "trial" judging by some of the questions asked by the English people present. It was left to the Russian female panellist to defend Mother Russia which, she did, admirably.
Tom Lowry, Leeds Yorkshire
This is the comment from a Russian who is not a regular BBC viewer, so I would like to start with saying that I have known for years that English newspaper journalism is in brilliant shape. It's a pleasure to me that now I can say the same about English TV. I haven't seen such an interesting and amusing political show for years. Too bad anything like this is not possible on the Russian TV nowadays. The choice of the panel was really good (and, believe me, it is not exactly easy to find five Russian experts who simultaneously a) speak fluent English, b) are more or less straight-speaking, and c) represent all the relevant points of view) and the choice of questions cannot be characterised anyway other then excellent: the show have covered more or less all the most important questions of contemporary Russian politics in just one hour.
PS I'd like to thank all the people commenting favourably on the English-speaking abilities of the panel and the audience. These comments are boosting one's pride of its country, you know.
PPS To the person who have companied about the absence of the union's representatives in the panel: it may be too bad, but there are no labour unions of any significant influence in Russia, the reason being that in the Soviet times the unions where just an unimportant subdivision of the Communist Party, so after the collapse of the latter they are still struggling to find their own voice.
Mikhail Tamm, Paris/Moscow
There was too little focus on democracy in Russia. You did not let a good debate form on this. Unfortunately Garry was also not calm enough. Andrej was more professional. But the other side also avoided answers. The cynicism of Natalia was awful, as was the way she relativised all points.
Matthias Brendel, Oulu, Finland
Most interesting programme from Moscow, but please can someone tell me where David Dimbleby found his beautiful tie with dragonflies and bugs on? I'd love a jacket!
KSJ, Bristol
I was absolutely delighted with the programme last night, broadcast in Moscow. Not many broadcasters in the world would have the guts to go there and to open the debate on some very delicate issues (although not showed to Russians...)
Congratulations to the programme and to our dear Dimbleby, who opened up an opportunity for many Russians to express their views! I'm glad I pay the TV licence.
Many thanks,
Daniel Corticeiro, Swindon
As an establishment figure, David Dimbleby is not the ideal choice to preside over a panel which consists mainly of others of his kind. He questions the panellists too much if the answers are not what he wants to hear. He might be a hit in Surrey but NOT in Moscow.
Tom Lowry, Leeds Yorkshire
The Russian Government should not fear brave voices like that of Garry Kasparov. It will eventually need them to help find a balance between what they are and what they need to be.
Tony French, Seoul
What a breath of fresh air - the programme from Moscow and those taking part put to shame the usual panellists who continually have to score points off each other. I have been very interested in the responses and the views of the audience. I have stopped watching QT because I have been so bored with British politicians but watched tonight when I realised that it was coming from Moscow - keep the programme out of this country and I might continue to watch !!!
Reverend Pat Cox, Lydney
Really interesting to hear a non-UK opinion or two and quite refreshing to hear straight forward talking!
Alis, London
Fascinating programme from Moscow, entertaining and informed panel - demonstrated great sense of humour!
Surprised reading the texts that some viewers on BBC1 couldn't see why the BBC would want to broadcast QT from Russia. Surely we've seen only too clearly over recent years how domestic issues are so often influenced by other countries and continents.
Well done BBC for a superb hour of TV - I'd love to watch an International series of programmes not just these rare gems.
I spent 15 years in Soviet Russia - and sadly little Douglas Alexander was so far out of his depth of understanding the Russian and Russia it was embarrassing. Surely the Government could have put someone up with some gravitas - the Russians will conclude that we are as we are in a sad state if he was all we could offer!
Maurice, Newcastle
The mere fact that Russians are discussing their views and opinions in front of a live audience of millions of BBC viewers is surely a sign of some greater democratic freedom?
Lee Jones, Caerphilly
I agree with Narochnitskaya that the West always had patronising attitude towards the East. Putin unlike president Bush signed Kyoto Treaty but never had any credit for it. There was many positive achievements in the Soviet Union - good NHS (compare it with very poor standard in the UK), great public transport (Metro in Moscow is still excellent - the reason of envy for poor Londoners). Socialism is not as bad as the Western media describes it. Mr Kasparov is obviously anti-Russian but people like him are desperate to destroy Russia but they won't succeed.
Lilia Goncharova, London
Excellent programme. Inspiring to see how far Russia has come with respect to political openness and freedom of speech. A mark in history when question time is held in Russia! Very impressed by the quality of English spoken by the Russian audience. I doubt we could easily host members of the UK parliament who spoke any Russian, much less speaking it fluently. Excellent point at the end from Natalie. Message to the BBC - Lets hear more of the Russian peoples' perspective of the West. We could learn more. Could we do a follow up programme on this? Perhaps have more Western politicians to answer questions from Russian citizens? Would they be up to the challenge? Fantastic programme. Please let's have more.
Phil Howell, Bordon
Interesting to see a programme from Moscow. To think that 15 years ago this would have not been possible. Significant to note that most of the speakers , with the exception of Garry Kasparov seemed to dance around the question concerning the democratisation of Russia. President Vladimir Putin was thought at first to be making a more open state and now seems to be accused at every turn of trying to turn back the clock. Interestingly few of the speakers seemed to want to refer to him by name. I got the feeling that, outside the bubble of intelligentsia in Moscow and St Petersburg, not so much has changed and old ways are returning. Maybe best would be that Russia, which its enormous natural resources should be treated in a sui generis way and allowed to find its own way of dealing with things, its own form of "democracy" as long as it is relatively transparent and non-threatening. After all most of our democracies are flawed in many ways.
Let's hope for positive result and less aggression or fear.
Peter Johnson, London S.W.11
- Igor Yurgens - GOOD selection: At least we have a glimpse of what Russian business elite is up to.
- Natalya Narochnitskaya- GOOD selection: impressed by her ability and glimpse of what a fraction of Russian politicians are up to.
- Illarionov - Good choice. As former advisor to Russian President, he is the Real example that there is FREEDOM of speech in Russia.
The rest - I am not convinced.
UK should proceed faster with Yamal-Europe second branch of pipe line, signed by Blair and Putin years ago. At least we can get cheap and secure energy bypassing selfish Eastern European states.
Alex, London
I was absolutely appalled to observe that during the whole QT broadcast from Moscow, which talked so much about human rights, not once was the issue of war in Chechnya and the tragedy of Chechen people mentioned by anyone! What about Chechen human rights, are they disposable for the sake of cheap Russian oil/gas supplies? The UK Foreign Office Minister D. Alexander should stop being hypocritical, uphold the true values of British democracy and openly criticise Russia for its genocidal campaign against the Chechen people on their own land. Then again, one can't expect much from a representative of New Labour, whose leader is courting the Russian dictator and mass murderer Putin at every opportunity. It's disgusting!
Bulat Betalgiry, Jersey
Text: China, France, now Russia. More great use of licence money. Not.
Graham, Bolton
I enjoyed the presentation from Moscow which made a refreshing change from the sometimes introspective outlook of small town UKness. It would be a good use of the licence fee to do this more often. Wish I could speak Russian the way the audience spoke English!
Martin Egan, Torbay
Text: QT going abroad gives us a glimpse of other nations - money well spent by the BBC.
Doreen, Blackpool
Text: Anyone know the panellists? I don't.
OD, Bradford
Text: Never mind a jolly in Russia. We have enough problems at home that need discussing. A disgrace.
Jason, Meriden
This was the best Question Time I've seen in years. A fascinating insight into Russian political and civil life.
Please do more of these programmes around the world.
Jane, London
Text: I find it a fascinating programme - let's have more!
John, Stockport
Text: The Russians' English is better than Prescott's - give them all a peerage.
Chris, New Forest
Text: Douglas Alexander in Moscow! Might as well be because we never see him in Paisley.
Allan, Paisley
Historic ! Superbly ironic - in a good way. The whole panel and the audience spoke English. They asked and answered questions which would have caused their execution a while ago. Brilliant, brilliant communication!
B
What a disaster tonight! Question Time is one programme I really look forward to.
As a licence payer, how much did this farce cost?
John Southwell, Derbyshire
I was most impressed with the ability of the Russians to debate fluently in English. I thought that Natalia scored a hit with her charge that Dimbleby on this occasion showed a tendency to patronise, and harass on the sensitive issues of (so-called) human rights; though her colleague Igor scored even more with his urbane restraint. However, it was a great debate, and a credit to the BBC.
Ian West, Morpeth
Text: How often do you get to hear what Russians think? Give 'em a chance!
Petey, London
Text: Nice to see Russian politicians not waffling, unlike their British colleagues.
Jerry, E London
Text: This programme is another example of the BBC not discussing Labour's corruption and the NHS collapse.
Gus, Devon
Text: It is a serious TV programme this, highly valuable, proper for BBC to cover.
Timothy, London
The "Question Time" from Moscow was fascinating, not least because we saw Russian key players disagreeing with one another. However, it was very disappointing that no representative of the millions of Russian workers who are trade union members was on the panel, or even in the audience, to speak about the day-to-day existence of Russian workers - we only had business reps.
Bill Speirs, Glasgow
Text: Congratulations to the panel on their excellent English. Imagine a British panel speaking Russian.
Laura, Brighton
Text: Great to have a proper debate on QT at last.
ST, Shrops
Text: The audience sound better-educated than the Miami audience we had to listen to last year.
Pete, Canterbury
Text: QT's best ever programme - great! We need Russia to be part of the international community.
Peter, Aberdeenshire
Text: As Churchill said, "Democracy is the worst possible political system except for all the others."
Theo, Teddington
Text: A lot of talk of democracy. Surely G8 emphasizes that in the west economics has replaced democracy?
Jo F
Text: Great to see open and free broadcasting from Russia.
John, Devon
Text: How refreshing! Good to hear some straight talking on QT. How about a regular debate from Russia?
Graham, Cambs
Very good programme tonight marking the 15th anniversary of the break up of the Soviet Union. Too many on the panel, I thought, making life difficult for David, especially when they all began talking at once on one or two occasions. Natalia was carrying on with her own agenda using the programme as a platform for her own views and that of her party.
Steve Fuller, Hove, East Sussex
Text: Good to hear a Russian slant on things rather than Britain - America's poodle!
Steve, Carlisle
Text: All this and a polite audience. I like QT on the road. More of this please.
John, Halsall
Text: Kasparov is excellent. Can we have him instead of Gordon Brown?
Mark, Pimlico
Text: The most impressive panel for many years - intelligent and straight talking.
MKJ, Exeter
Text: Top Marx to everyone involved in tonight's programme.
D, Didsbury
Text: The world continues to get smaller. It is a fascinating insight into another country. Well done BBC.
John, Camberley
Text: Hey girls, does anyone else think Gary is a bit of a Russian doll?
Mad, Manchester
Question Time in Moscow:
BBC One: Thursday 30 March 2235BST/2135GMT
BBC World: Saturday 1 April 1510GMT & 2010GMT, repeated Sunday 2 April 1110GMT
Watch online any time at the Question Time website
Disclaimer: The BBC will put up as many of your comments as possible but we cannot guarantee that all e-mails will be published. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments that are published.
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