Some important interviews

Charlie Rose, I thought, did a very good and professional job last week in interviewing the Presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Asif Ali Zardari and Hamid Karzai. When asked about the resources we should provide to these countries in order to further aid the combating of the Taliban resurgence in and around Peshawar and Islamabad, Karzai reiterated an often neglected point.

We must also free the population from the grip of radicalism and extremism as an ideology that was imposed upon them over decades, that has caused them immense suffering, that has also caused them to fall prey to Al-Quaeda and the terrorist networks.

In other words, we cannot, in defeating the Taliban's stranglehold, rely simply on better weaponry, better discipline, or better techniques; we must undermine and "emancipate" the fundamental ideology that brings people in these regions to rely on the Taliban's governance. Otherwise, it seems as though we are fighting an unwinnable war.

Some lighter viewing can be achieved by visiting The Hour's website to watch the interview with Christopher Hitchens broadcast last night, in which he revisits some of his recent experiences and even discusses his very real desire to make a documentary founded upon god is not Great. It would, he said, be like Bill Maher's attempt, Religulous, "but funnier". Also, if you haven't cast your vote for yesterday's survey, do so.