Today - 08/08/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Ian Pannell reports on the length of the UK's commitment to Afghanistan. Political correspondent Ross Hawkins examines who has been left in charge in Downing Street. Pakistan's most wanted man, Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, has reportedly been killed by a US missile. Author Ahmed Rashid discusses whether he is confident that Mr Mehsud has been killed. Business correspondent Joe Lynam reflects on comments that the UK retirement age is likely to rise to higher that 68. Robert Pigott reports on how Californian nuns are reaching out to the community. Tom Esslemont reports from Georgia on a day of ceremonies to mark the first anniversary of its war with Russia over South Ossetia. Former ambassador Donald MacLaren discusses EU efforts in the region. Martin Smith of the British Beekeepers Association warns that the price of honey is likely to rise as a result of recent wet weather. Rohan Guhnaratna, of the School of International Studies in Singapore, says that Noordin Mohamed Top is the most important terrorist in south-east Asia and is responsible for all the major attacks in Indonesia since 2002. Thought for the Day with Canon David Winter. John McFall MP and Adrian Coles, director of the BSA, discuss the way mortgage lenders operate. Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Pakistan's High Commissioner for the UK, discusses whether Pakistan's most wanted man, Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, has been killed by a US missile. Carol Highton discusses how her son Bryan committed suicide because of debts he owned to a loan shark. Reporter Sanchia Berg and writer and broadcaster Lucinda Lambton discuss the rich architectural heritage of public conveniences. Jon Leyne reports on the second group of people brought before Iranian courts following violent protests in the wake of June's presidential elections. James Naughtie investigates whether events in the City are separate from the real economy. Mike Gapes MP discusses the UK's role in development, governance and security sector reform in Afghanistan. Comedian Chris Neill imagines what might be contained in the latest diary entries of Harriet Harman, who was in charge of the government during the week. John Ridding of the Financial Times and Charlie Beckett, director of Polis, discuss whether people will pay for news on the internet. Journalist Edward Enfield and film director and restaurant critic Michael Winner discuss whether or not men should act their age.