Julian Assange is launching a talk show, and just when you thought there were no more ironies left in this world, his venture will be broadcast on Russia Today — an English language, Russian news channel that likes to show Mr Putin performing karate takedowns, riding Harleys across Moscow and bury the news of a missing nuclear submarine somewhere between sports and weather.

Russia Today is widely-believed to be Kremlin’s mouthpiece, with a reach of over 400 million people and coverage in both Spanish and Arabic. So, what’s one of the world’s foremost proponents of ‘transparency’ doing with the sorts who think it’s some new cologne?

Assange, under house arrest in Norfolk, England, hopes his show, The World Tomorrow, will feature ‘key political players’ in ‘in-depth interviews’ and talks about mankind’s political future — all in 30 minutes. “Through this series, I will explore the possibilities for our future in conversations with those who are shaping it. Are we heading towards utopia, or dystopia and how we can set our paths?” Assange was quoted as saying the Los Angeles Times. Interesting.

Assange’s flirting with world politics continues even as he fights extradition to Sweden over rape charges. Even his show will be shot within the confines of his Britain address. Guests are likely to be interviewed by the window or out in the garden, over tea. But what will Assange be asking? Will he confront guests with leaked cables? Call politicians from India and quiz them over Swiss bank accounts? Have George W. Bush over and discuss what’s left of the Middle East?

We don’t know yet. But Mr WikiLeaks’ teaming up with Kremlin’s TV channel for a talk show about the world of tomorrow is big news indeed. He sure isn’t Oprah, but is already the TV highlight of 2012.
Well, the irony has just begun.