Anger and upset in Iran and Iraq
Mrs Thatcher started to cry when she did it, but there was just a trademark smile and a wave when Tony Blair left Downing Street. To be honest though we've not been deluged with people wanting to talk about Mr Blair's successor Gordon Brown (and we talked about Mr Blair yesterday) so we're going to pick up a couple of other issues. That said it you have any advice for Mr Brown, we'll be happy to pass it on during the show. Now to today's topics...
CAN YOU HELP LUBNA CELEBRATE?If you listen to WHYS a lot you're sure to know Lubna. She's a medical student in Baghdad who ranks amongst our most enthusiastic contributors. Rare is the day we don't receive an email or text from her, and she's spoken on air a lot as well.
Well today is her birthday. She's 21 - an age when some might say you're young enough have your life in front of you, but just getting wise enough to really know how to enjoy it. But this week I've received several messages from her telling of her huge upset that two friends were killed at the weekend in separate violent incidents in Baghdad. 'Why should I be celebrating when these things keep happening in my country?' she's asked. And she wanted to speak with all of you about it, and today we'll hear hr do that.
She's written an open letter about how's she's feeling. Below it you can leave a message for her.
RATION RIOTS IN IRAN
It always surprises me that there are fuel shortages in Nigeria considering its oil reserves in the Niger Delta. I had similar thoughts today when I heard on the radio that there was rioting in Tehran over the sudden introduction of fuel rationing. You may be surprised to know that despite its reserves, over 40 per cent of Iran's fuel is imported. I was.
One thing that was certainly a surprise to Iranians was the two hours notice they received before fuel rationing began. We'll hear why so many people are furious, and why the government thinks it's necessary. If you'd like to join this discussion (with a question or comment), email us.
NEXT STOP NEW ORLEANS
We've taken a few weeks to calm down after the excitement of visiting France, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana and Kenya in the space of a fortnight. Now we're turning our attentions to New Orleans. It's a city which hosted WHYS' first ever outside broadcast back in March 2006, and we're returning to broadcast live from a Public Radio News Directors Conference on July 19. (find our more here: https://www.prndi.org)
If you'd like to take part, suggest what we should talk about, or suggest new ways the programme should work on the road, then please get in touch.
WHAT YOU DO WHEN WE'RE ON AIR
Beatrice in Kampala is the latest person to share what she does at around 1700GMT. Have a read and tell us what you do.
Speak to you later.
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