The Doha Debates

　　

　　The Doha Debates are a unique venture in the Arab world, providing a battleground for conflicting opinions and arguments about the major political topics of the region.

　　SHOWING TIMES

　　0910 GMT on Saturday 20th February

　　Repeated: 2210 GMT on Saturday 20th, 0210 and 1510 GMT on Sunday 21st February

　　View your local programme times

　　While governments around the world tighten restrictions on press freedom, the Doha Debates openly dissect the vital issues of the Middle East in front of its people and on global television

　　ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME

　　

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　　For more information and to view past Doha Debates online

　　The Doha Debates are chaired by the award-winning former BBC correspondent and interviewer Tim Sebastian, who founded them in 2004 and secured their editorial independence.

　　The Doha Debates are an initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development which is headed by Her Highness, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Missned.

　　Past speakers have included President Bill Clinton, Shimon Peres, Amre Moussa, Ayad Allawi, Mahmoud Al Zahar and Sir Malcolm Rifkind.

　　Most Debates are held at the Qatar Foundation headquarters in Doha.

　　This House believes Muslims are not getting a fair deal in India

　　FOR THE MOTION: Seema Mustafa, Journalist and political commentator

　　Seema Mustafa is a political analyst. Previously, she was the editor of Covert magazine and Resident Editor of The Asian Age newspaper.

　　She has co-written a number of books on Indian politics and authored a political biography of former Prime Minister of India VP Singh. In 1999 she received the prestigious Prem Bhatia Award for Excellence in Political Reporting and Analysis for her coverage of the Kargil war.

　　FOR THE MOTION: Teesta Setalvad, Civil rights activist

　　Teesta Setalvad is the co-founder of Sabrang Communications, an organisation aimed at protecting and promoting human rights in India.

　　She has been at the forefront of the campaign for justice for the victims of the Gujarat riots and in 2003 she won the Nuremberg International Human Rights Award.

　　In 2007 she was awarded the prestigious civilian honour, the Padma Shri by the Indian Government for her work in public affairs.

　　AGAINST THE MOTION: Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology

　　Sachin Pilot made history in 2004 when voters in Dausa, Rajasthan elected him by a record margin as India's youngest member of parliament.

　　In May last year he won the Ajmer constituency, previously a BJP stronghold. He is the son of the late Rajesh Pilot, a prominent figure in the Congress Party and a former government minister.

　　AGAINST THE MOTION: M.J.Akbar, Journalist and Publisher

　　Mobashar Jawed (M.J.) Akbar is one of India's most distinguished journalists. He's the Editor of the recently launched Sunday Guardian, published simultaneously in Delhi and London.

　　Mr. Akbar has launched a number of prominent publications in India including The Telegraph, The Asian Age and Covert magazine. He served as a member of India's Parliament from 1989-1992, and as an adviser to the ministry of Human Resources.

　　M.J. Akbar is also a prolific author and has written extensively on India's political landscape.