Latest update: 20/09/2012 

- Arab world - François Hollande - Freedom of the press - French politics - Islam - press


Freedom of speech or fuelling hatred?

Poking fun at religion is nothing new in France, but when a satirical weekly publishes new cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad, the furore goes global. François Picard’s panel argues over whether the cartoons constitute a stand for free speech, a cheap publicity stunt or incitement to hatred?

By Anelise Borges
  • Ammar ABD RABBO. Photojournalist;
  • Radu STOENESCU. Staff member, "Riposte Laïque";
  • Fady FADEL. Dean of the American Business School of Paris;
  • Tariq RAMADAN. Professor of Islamic studies, Saint Anthony's College, Oxford. Author of "Islam and the Arab Awakening".

Produced by François Picard, Anelise Borges, Mary Colombel, Wassim Nasr.

Watch the second part here.

French embassy in Libya attacked: Mali backlash? (part 2)
23/04/2013 - THE DEBATE

French embassy in Libya attacked: Mali backlash? (part 2)

Was it revenge for the offensive in Mali or retaliation for the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi? Perhaps it was a message to stay out of Libya as the country struggles towards becoming a democracy. Laura Baines and her guests discuss the many theories following the attack on the French embassy in Tripoli.
French embassy in Libya attacked: Mali backlash?
23/04/2013 - THE DEBATE

French embassy in Libya attacked: Mali backlash?

Was it revenge for the offensive in Mali or retaliation for the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi? Perhaps it was a message to stay out of Libya as the country struggles towards becoming a democracy. Laura Baines and her guests discuss the many theories following the attack on the French embassy in Tripoli.
Mali conflict: Once the French have gone... (part 2)
22/04/2013 - THE DEBATE

Mali conflict: Once the French have gone... (part 2)

French lawmakers have given the green light to keeping troops in Mali. Operation Serval began in January, and since then, al Qaeda-linked jihadists have been chased out of Mali's towns and cities. French troops have already begun to leave and the government says that just 1,000 soldiers will remain until the end of the year for training purposes. Laura Baines and her guests discuss whether Mali is really on the path to peace.
Mali conflict: Once the French have gone...
22/04/2013 - THE DEBATE

Mali conflict: Once the French have gone...

French lawmakers have given the green light to keeping troops in Mali. Operation Serval began in January, and since then, al Qaeda-linked jihadists have been chased out of Mali's towns and cities. French troops have already begun to leave and the government says that just 1,000 soldiers will remain until the end of the year for training purposes. Laura Baines and her guests discuss whether Mali is really on the path to peace.
Obama's worst week: terror, tragedy and a stinging political defeat (part 2)
18/04/2013 - THE DEBATE

Obama's worst week: terror, tragedy and a stinging political defeat (part 2)

From bombs in Boston to a massive blast in Texas, and now a stinging defeat on a hard-fought gun control bill, has this has been the worst week so far for Barack Obama's presidency? Can the US president regain the political upper hand and heal a polarized nation?

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Regarding Radu's comments

I have heard many sensationalised racist bigotry views but never in my life have I been so confused at a comment as I was when Radu made the following nonsensical comment about ‘Muslim’s not being Mohammed and those who think are, are salafists’ This comment was offensive but more than anything it was intellectually challenged, if you were going to interview someone who was against ‘political Islam’ you might have been better choosing someone who has a clue about basic Islam because clearly Radu’s reference of Islam is movies such as ‘innocence of Muslims’ seriously bad media and highly disturbing to watch such racist, hateful views!

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