What do you think of Greg Palast?

I know he used to be a columnist for the Guardian and wrote for Haper's. But he still works for the BBC (mainly on "Newsnight"?). Is he a well-respected reporter in the U.K.? Here you can only find him on his website, thru his books. And occasionally on alternative radio. Usually the BBC only hires U.K. or EU citizens, correct (and no, I'm not looking for a BBC job here)? If that's true then why make an exception for an unknown guy in the States? Just trying to understand. Thanks.

I think it is because of the US attorney scandal. The BBC knows this is a hot topic because it really goes beyond the US attorneys and into the whole Bush Administration itself. The UK and most of the united nations is really disgusted with the US administration (from iraq and secret prisions) and is interested on how far this intrigue goes. From getting loyal bushies into AG positions to affect outcomes of elections to having the White house counsel show up at the sick attorney general's hospital bed to try and force him to sign an illegal wiretapping scheme. Greg has many contacts and sources here in the US and can get the story most others can't. Also since the New York times and others have shunned him as a "conspiracy theorist" in the past (most notably in 2000 and 2004 elections) the BBC was the one who gave him a chance and actually listened. It was a good move on the BBC's part, because what he has been saying for the past 6+ years on the Bush Administration has turned out to have tons of factual basis. He's even met with the Judiciary Chairman to give him the details on what he knows.

am i bovvered

More than likely he's working on a freelance basis as very few reporters/journalists now actually have permanent contracts at the beeb anymore asides from maybe the presenters and new casters. I guess if they feel that he iis experienced; can make a valuable contribution and add a different perspective to the strories that he's commenting on then he's worth having on board