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Tuesday - Islam/Northern Ireland/Comedy/Sport

James Harrod | 09:30 UK time, Tuesday, 31 July 2007

IslamHello all, welcome to Tuesday's WHYS. We had a great reaction to our main topic yesterday - Should we joke about jihadists? - the emails, blog comments and texts were coming in at an amazing rate. Don't forget you can still add your thoughts here.

On to today. Here's a question to get you thinking - After many discussions surrounding the religion in recent months, a lot of you have got in contact with us to say you want to ask this specific question - so what do you think?...

... The British Army's 38-year operation in Northern Ireland comes to an . Operation Banner is the longest continuous campaign in the British Army's history and at the height of the troubles 30,000 troops were deployed there. Just 5,000 will remain but security will be entirely the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. What is the legacy of this deployment? We think it would be great to hear a couple of Belfast residents chatting with soldiers - your thoughts please?

Washington has confirmed plans for a . The US wants to give multi billion dollar military assistance to Israel and Egypt in an attempt to counter the influence of Iran and Syria in the Middle East. A separate deal with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states is also planned. How will this affect the situation in the Middle East? Will it work or just increase animosity against the US?

Should countries offer ransom payments for hostages? Germany - which currently does offer money - That should please the likes of Britain, the US and Israel who refuse to negotiate with hostage takers. If all countries decided not to pay ransoms, would it weaken the kidnappers' cause?

Don't forget you're always welcome to email us with a story idea - that's exactly what Bill in Oregon, USA did on Monday. He wants to talk about the infiltration of counterfeit drugs in the world market. He and his family sat down and watched and were appalled by the magnitude of the problem. We did touch on this a couple of weeks ago in a programme about China - only yesterday 15 people were arrested for making and selling fake drugs there. Bill wants to ask whether there should be a strict testing procedure of all drugs by pharmacists, before they're dispensed to customers. Do you have an interest in this too - what do you want to ask? Let us know.

Has Iraq's on Sunday changed the country? Regular caller Lubna in Baghdad says everyone is still celebrating the victory - would you like to hear some voices out of the Iraq on today's show?

Are there any taboos left in comedy? is launching her own show at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She's the first disabled performer in the UK to have become one of the top comedians of her generation. In , she shatters taboos about her disability - cerebral palsy - and talks candidly about confidence and self-image. Francesca is a friend of the show and if there's enough of you wanting to talk about it, we'll get her on the show later. She appears in this video - have a look :-

Now to "jelly-bean" sportsmanship in cricket. The Indian swing bowler Zaheer Khan says he felt "insulted" when his arrival at the crease to face England's bowlers, prompted the mysterious presence of . Observers say it was a dig at his weight. A psychological advantage? Not really - Khan was inspired and took five wickets yesterday. So harmless fun or a test of sportsmanship?

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