Today - 19/02/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Correspondent Martin Patience and former Afghan minister Ali Jalali discuss whether the US is losing patience with the Karzai administration. Guy Dangerfield of Passenger Focus says that rail travel in the UK is more expensive than in Europe. Michael Roberts, chief executive of the ATOC, the Association of Train Operating Companies, discusses its findings. Reporter Nicola Stanbridge visits a women-only referee course in Lancashire. Home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw reports on what authorities can do to stop cocaine trafficking and chief executive of Drugscope Martin Barnes discusses whether they are losing the fight against drug crime. Arts correspondent Rebecca Jones discusses the film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer winning novel The Road. Thought for the Day with Rev Dr David Wilkinson, principal of St John's College, Durham. Writer Jeffrey Robinson says that the inquiry into Sir Allen Stanford will have implications for offshore banking. Defence secretary John Hutton discusses whether Britain still has the capability to engage in major military operations. Writer Geoffrey Wansell and private club member the Earl of Onslow discuss the eccentrics of private clubs. Psychologist Dr Bob Johnson and director of Civitas David Green discuss whether Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, can ever be released. Environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee explores the increasing enthusiasm for growing our own food on allotments. Comedian Lenny Henry has starred in his first Shakespeare play, taking on the role of Othello in a new production at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Theatre critic for the Times Benedict Nightingale gives his impressions of the first night. Sports journalists Jim White and Jim Lawton discuss whether money is destroying sport.