MUMBAI: With the anniversary of the most significant news event of last year nearly upon us, BBC World Service will launch a four-part series exploring international relations in the wake of 9/11.
An official release informs that from 6 September The Diplomatic Jigsaw presented by Edward Stourton will have contributions from those closely involved. US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage speaks about his meeting in Moscow, Minister of International Co-operation at the Palestinian Authority Nabil Sha’ath describes his reaction to 9/11.
In addition, one can listen to Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf talk abour his telephone call with Colin Powell. The Diplomatic Jigsaw charts the behind-the-scenes negotiations that radically altered international relations, creating unlikely alliances and unexpected diplomatic concessions.
The series revisits 11 September and its aftermath, and as the developments that unfolded are chronicled, the jigsaw of relations and events fall into place. It deals with issues such as what went on during the negotiations to bring such countries as Russia, Syria, Pakistan and China on side and how America went about building the coalition. It also examines the role part Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair played in the coalition.
The four programmes are –
Friends and Enemies – This is the story of how the world recovered from shock and Americans preparing for action. Insiders tell of the ultimatum the US delivered to Pakistan and President Musharraf describes his reaction. George Robertson reveals what went on at NATO headquarters. Kofi Annan talks about the reaction at the UN.
Gathering Force – Washington and London joined forces as the coalition is built. The doubts and fears of the Muslim world are addressed while attention focuses on the Middle East. British envoy Charles Powell describes his mission to Syria. Insiders tell of the deals done to open up the air bases bordering Afghanistan.
Into Action – The bombing begins. The coalition’s propaganda machine is put to the test against riots in Pakistan and concerns in the Middle East. China and America discover common ground while Pakistan begins to see the benefits of taking a stand against the Taliban. However the fall of Kabul, when it finally comes, takes many people unawares.
The Problems of Success – This examines how the fall-out of 9/11 created new challenges. At the UN, nations work together to fight terrorism, but when American attention turned to Iraq most of the world recoiled. The Middle East was allowed to fester – then turned so violent that America had to re-engage. America’s relationship with Russia flourished, but in Asia the latest members of the nuclear club squared up for a fight.
See earlier story
BBC gears up for 9/11; to air special ‘Attack on the Wires’
