Slipping in out of foreign tongues with Sherard Cowper-Coles and Yang Ying

Should diplomats learn the languages of the countries they’re assigned to? And how easy is it to learn a foreign musical language?

Global Political Cartoons: September 4 – 10, 2010

How an obscure Florida pastor managed to get the world’s attention by his plan to burn the Koran on the anniversary of September 11th. President Obama tries to kick-start the economy; and Google knows what you’re thinking.

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Blair slams successor Brown in memoirs

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said his successor Gordon Brown could be “maddening” and accused him of lacking “emotional intelligence”. In his memoirs, he called Brown a “brilliant” chancellor but claimed Brown put him under “relentless” pressure as he tried to take over from Blair as prime minster. Alex Gallafent explores this ‘special relationship’ Download MP3

• Video: BBC coverage
• Tony Blair’s memoirs: key quotes
• ‘A Journey: My Political Life’ by Tony Blair

When the prime minister calls

London seniors Joyce and Ted Hawkes were quite surprised when Downing Street called in 1997 to ask whether Britain’s new prime minister Tony Blair and his wife could come by for a cup of tea. They relived the moment with the host of the BBC’s PM program, Eddie Mair.

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British inquiry into Iraq war

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The man in charge of the official British inquiry examining events surrounding the Iraq war has said his committee will not produce a report that is a “whitewash.” John Chilcot has promised to produce a “full and insightful” account. Evidence from senior government figures will start on Tuesday and politicians, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair will be expected to testify in due time. Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• FAQ British Iraq inquiry