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First up, a former member of the Baader-Meinhof gang is to be freed on probation after serving 24 years for her involvement in kidnappings and murders in the 1970s. A German court ruled that Brigitte Mohnhaupt, 57, qualifies for early release after serving a minimum proportion of her five life sentences.

Najeeb in Pakistan:

She has spent 24 years behind bars - that is more than enough. I think she has paid the price, and the victim's family should adopt a humanitarian approach.

Red Man in Malta:

Business men kill one hundred thousand children under five years old each and every day. God bless her .

Anonymous text:

The US judiciary system is flawed. Some defendants have been convict ed by the most flimsy of evidence Ten states still use the electric chair.

Joseph in Voinjama:

Laws must be respected and as such this woman must be free after serving her term in accordance with the German law.

Mukul in Dayton, Ohio:

Red army faction carried out a campaign of voilence to impose its idealogy. We are seeing resurgance of such idealogy in Latin America, I think the timing is not right to release figures who share such idealogy.

Rui in Georgia, USA

It seems incredible the price the German people put on human life. Nine people killed by this murderer and Germany feels it's appropriate to release this woman back into society. She's not rehabilitated nor is she sorry. I feel that she should spend the rest of her life in prison for her crimes. The nine people didn't get to have a life

Jude in Vancouver

Releasing that murderous gang member may satisfy the law but it certainly does not satisfy justice. Only the victim can give forgiveness, and once the state has usurped that right, it has overstepped it's bounds. People on the left always trot out a supposed connection between light sentences and reduced crime. This has never been proven, because it is a false association.

Steve in USA

Only 24 years for an unrepentent murderer? That's enough to make a death penalty supporter out of me! She should at least be behind bars for the rest of her life. She's responsible for multiple murders. 24 years is a more lenient jail sentence than many non violent drug offenders get.

Max in Ukraine:

The cause she thought she fought for before is probably gone. And if according to psychiatrists she's otherwise no threat to society, why can't she enjoy the rest of her life free after 24 years behind bars. She may show no remorse, but society she once denied will thus show an example in humanity. Isn't the Christian world all about good for evil?

Steve, USA

I'm shocked by people thinking that 24 years is enough! 24 years for murdering people? That's is NOTHING! I thank GOD the Israelis got Adolf Eichmann rather than the germans giving him 15 years for planning the holocaust!

Kim in Portland, Oregon:

It absolutely blows my mind that someone who murdered 9 people and never showed remorse could ever be released from prison. Like the US, it sounds like the German "Justice" system is pretty messed up.

Next, we're discussing Barack Obama, and whether he can really grab the African-American vote:

Shuwary, Freetown:

As far as the rest of Africa is concerned Barack Obama is an American with little or no knowledge about the continent.

Makaka in Kenya:

Obama is an American and deserves the same chance to get to the White House as any other American. Give him a chance!

Rotoye, Lagos:

Obama is loved but I think americans are not yet ready to be led by a black man. Maybe twenty years down the line, but not now. Too much racism.

Kwesi in Accra:

If the American society isn't ready for a black prez they have no right to preach any democracy.

Pat in Oregon

I am very much interested in Obama's ideas and will follow him closely. I think his recent inspirational speech in Springfield Ill. reminds me of JFK in that it called on the people not the government to change and commit to a plan of action. I need to know more about him, but what I have seen so far I really like.

James in Kenya

I think Obama is a true representative of all the black communities in America.There's nothing like less black - it's about character!

S. K. Duworko, Liberia

Barako Obama's quest for the US Presidency goes beyond the Black American dream. It must be seen in the wider context of minorities in the US gaining the highest office in the US.

Mario in Prague:

Why not? He can't be worse than President Bush , and i wonder what would be the response if it was a black candidate for Prime Minister of Great Britain

Moses Yama from Monrovia, Liberia

Senator Obama should be look at as a future leader for all Americans, not just the blacks.

Daniel in Nigeria

Barack Obama's candidacy is a comic relief. He knows it and white folks around the world know it!

Finally, the Dixie Chicks... Does the Grammy win mean they've been forgiven by Americans?

Roy in Portland, Oregon:

A healthy democracy thrives on debate and dissenting ideas. The Dixie Chicks should have been applauded for publicly criticizing the Bush administration, not condemned.

Errol in Boston:

I am one of those Americans that have always felt the Dixie Chicks have nothing to apologise for. Rather, those people that crucified them should be apologising to them. This is especially true in light of what some of us always knew was a war based on lies, and that most Americans have finally come around to see for what is was.

Scott writes:

I think the Dixie Chicks' success is indicative of how the US public has moved back to the center, and their multiple Grammys are proof of this.

Mark in Canada:

The Dixie Chicks are traitors to their country, it's as simple as that. The fact that they have been allowed to win some award speaks volumes.

Norma in Oklahoma:

I've backed these ladies from the beginning. I'm proud to say they have a right to their opinions and the bravery to demonstrate that they won't back down.

John in Baltimore:

The Dixie Chicks pretty much got what they deserved for saying those things. The socialists in America and around the world have embraced them with open arms now, and I'm sure they are extremely happy for it.