Hundreds of thousands of people remain stranded, hungry and homeless in villages across the northern part of India after a rain-swollen river burst and changed course. Despite massive relief efforts, many victims are still at risk and see their situation deteriorate. The government is accused of having acted too late, of having coordinated relief efforts ineffectively and of favoring influential people to receive most of the relief material.  How do you think the situation should be dealt with? How is the government failing to help its citizen? Which state mechanisms and regulations should be implemented to avoid more unnecessary deaths?

John McCain, the US Republican presidential candidate, has chosen Sarah Palin, the 44 year-old governor of Alaska, as his running-mate. A crowned beauty queen and mother of five she is known to be a strong conservative who opposes abortion, pushes for oil drilling in the Atlantic Arctic, and is a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association. What do you think about Mc Cain's choice and how do you think will it effect the upcoming election?

Afghanistan's cabinet has demanded a change in the rules governing international troops in the country, after more than 90 civilians were killed in US-led air attacks last week. It is the highest civilian death toll from international military action since US-led forces invaded in 2001. Should there be some kind of 'status of forces agreement' governing international troops in the country? Is there too much reliance on aerial attacks at the moment?