Today - 26/08/2009

Presented by John Humphrys and Evan Davis. North America editor Justin Webb and Bob Carolina, of Democrats Abroad, reflects on the life of US Senator Edward Kennedy. Paul Wood reports from Ramallah, in the West Bank, on how an 'economic peace' could ease tensions over other issues. Chief Superintendent Helen Ball discusses the policing of planned climate change protests this week. Investigations have begun into 'large-scale trouble' at West Ham's Upton Park ground during a match against Millwall. Ben Jacobs reports. Author Maria Latella explains what Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's estranged wife, Veronica Lario, has said in a book about her estranged husband. Anne Glover, chief scientific advisor for Scotland, discusses comedian Ricky Gervais's stand-up show Science. Thought for the day with The Right Reverend James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool. Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, now a rapporteur for the Council of Europe on climate change, and environmentalist Jonathan Porritt discuss whether a landmark agreement on climate change can be reached. Senator Edward Kennedy, a major figure on American politics for nearly half a century and brother of President John F Kennedy, has died at the age of 77. Former Foreign Secretary Lord Owen considers whether Kennedy could have been US president. Ron Prosor, Israeli ambassador to the UK, discusses whether a deal between Israelis and Palestinians is close. Professor Stephen Glaister, a member of the government's working group reviewing high speed train lines, discusses the planning problems for a new high speed railway. Edward Hadas, a writer for the financial website breakingviews.com, examines an initiative not to pay bonuses until three years after they are awarded. Nicola Stanbridge reports on dancer and choreographer Michael Clark's new work, set to the music of David Bowie, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop. Author Clare Lockhart, a former adviser to Nato, the UN and Afghan governments, considers whether violence from insurgents will be kept up after the Afghanistan election results are released. US Senator Edward Kennedy, brother of former President John F Kennedy, has died at 77 after battling a brain tumour. Louis Susman, US Ambassador to Britain, reflects on a dominant force in liberal US politics for almost half a century. Author Francis Wheen and columnist Bryan Appleyard discuss paranoia in the 1970s and now.