Monday Morning Agenda . . .

Do politicans have a right to a private past?
A very British story but one with clear global resonance. The man who wants to be the UK's next Prime Minister has been accused of having "infrequent and moderate" involvement with drugs when he was a schoolboy at top English private college Eton. Mr Cameron has refused to confirm or deny the accusations and says: "I think it's an important principle that politicians are entitled to a private past." Most of the press seem to be siding with him but what do you think? I'd have thought if you're paying $50,000 (£25,000) per annum for a schooling you'd have little left over for ganja. Bear in mind that if he does become PM Mr Cameron will be responsible for the UK's drugs policy? Of course this may be good news for you if you shop at these kinds of places.

Obama for PM?
Senator Barack Obama has thrown his hat into the ring for the next US presidential elections and has started his campaign with a dig at his Democratic rivals. 2008 is squaring up to be a fascinating race with Hillary, Rudy, John and Barack all now confirmed or very likely to confirm . . . but lets' concentrate on Senator Obama (some great pics of him as a lil' nipper here). Senator Obama is making light of the fact that he is not the most experienced of politicans: "I'm not one of those people who decided at the age of seven that I wanted to be president." Does he have what it takes? ? Aussie PM John Howard doesn't thinks so: "If I was Al Qaeda I would pray for a victory for Obama and the Democrats." Let us know what you think.

Abortion
Portugal has voted to legalise abortion? Is this a sign of the waning influence of the church in southern europe? This abortion map of Europe makes for interesting reading. A vote 9 years ago on the same topic failed because of low turnout. The turnout in this poll was also very low so does this suggest a general mood of apathy on this topic?

Learn English or lose the dole
Immigrants in the UK will lose benefits if they fail to show they are trying to learn English. A practical step towards integration or a harsh edict from on high?

Violence in Guinea
There has been more gunfire in Guinea after Saturday's violence in which 14 died. A couple of weeks ago President Lansana Conte (a rare pic is here) pledged to select a "consensus" prime minister but the unions weren't happy with the candidate, Eugene Camara -- too close to Conte they say. Reports also say that Conte is in ill-health. Are we possibly witnessing the end of an African dictatorship? If you are in Guinea can you let us know what the situation is like on the streets?

Are Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Iraq?
What do you make of the evidence presented yesterday of Iranian involvement in the almost daily terror attacks in Iraq? The US military presented the evidence anonymously and says EFP's (Explosively Formed Penetrators - more on these nasty devices here) found in Iraq are evidence that Iran is operating in Iran and the orders come from the top. Do you think Iran is involved in the Iraq violence? Is America deliberately ratcheting up the pressure on Iran as we approach an April 9th announcement by Iran on its nuclear ambitions?

Dixie Chicks Win Big
In the US Country band Dixie Chicks have won a clutch of Grammys. The group hit the spotlight some four years ago when they criticised President Bush, a move which got them banned from several Country Music radio stations in the US. "Not Ready to Make Nice" was the Chicks first single from their recent album and shows the feisty threesome are in no mood to back down. Were they being honoured for taking such a stand or were the awards for the music? Or were you more interested in the fact that Sting and The Police reformed for the night....?