BBC World has lined up an interesting array of guests for its 'hard-hitting' show Hard Talk. The programme host Tim Sebastian will interview former US ambassador in Africa Joseph Wilson, Royal United Services Institute security analyst Dan Plesch; former child soldier Napolean Adok; Simon Hart, director of the Countryside Alliance; and Phyllis Campbell-McRae, the UK director of International Fund for Animal Welfare

Tuesday, 19 August - former US ambassador Joseph Wilson will talk about the charges against the British and American governments that they manipulated intelligence about Saddam Hussein's weapons programmes to justify an invasion of Iraq. Wilson, who was the last American diplomat to meet Saddam Hussein, was sent to Niger to investigate claims that Iraq had tried to buy uranium from Africa. He claimed that the Bush administration twisted his report to exaggerate the Iraqi threat.

Wednesday, 20 August - Dan Plesch - security analyst at the Royal United Services Institute and Jack Spencer, Heritage Foundation - believes that low-yield nuclear weapons may be the best way to target large biological-weapons production facilities. But the development of tactical nuclear bombs would be a significant departure from the policy of deterrence. He opines that this policy will only encourage the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by others.

Thursday, 21 August - Napoleon Adok, a former child soldier, was nine years old when a new phase of the war in Sudan broke out. He was sent to the young boys' military training camp, and had no choice but to become a solider at the age of 12. After spending four years carrying out missions across the border in Sudan, he was able to transfer away from the front line into driving and body guard duties. He came to work for international charities and NGOs. Now, having finally achieved the education he sought, he campaigns for UNICEF for the de-mobilisation of child soldiers, of whom there are still some 500 thousand in 80 countries, despite the best efforts of the UN.

Friday, 22 August - Simon Hart, director of the Countryside Alliance and Phyllis Campbell-McRae, the UK director of International Fund for Animal Welfare
When the British Parliament reconvenes in September, the House of Lords will consider the Government's hunting bill again. The legislation has already been amended many times, and the latest incarnation seeks to ban fox hunting altogether. Many pro-hunting activists have said they'll defy any efforts to stop them from taking part in their sport. Simon Hart and Phyllis Campbell-McRae offer their take on the issue.