Newscast Old Newscast: The Gulf War, The Legacy (Part 3)
Aug 24, 2025
Join former BBC chief news correspondent Kate Adie and Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen for a compelling discussion on the Gulf War's legacy. They dissect the myths of post-Cold War stability and question whether the Gulf War marked a true advancement in liberal democracy or the beginning of ongoing conflict in the region. Personal anecdotes reveal the human cost of war, while insights into the evolution of media coverage highlight both enhanced access to information and misunderstanding of key lessons. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of complex consequences and enduring impacts.
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High-Tech Strikes, Horrific Consequences
- Jeremy Bowen describes seeing precise strikes that nevertheless caused horrific casualties inside fortified shelters.
- He recounts a missile punching a neat hole then another finishing the victims, showing high-tech strikes still cause brutal human carnage.
Baghdad's Momentary Hope And Backlash
- Jeremy Bowen recalls Baghdad guards firing in the air when they believed US forces would arrive.
- He explains the regime then turned nasty and booted journalists out within a week as officials clung to power.
Ceasefire Choice Shaped Decades Of Turmoil
- The coalition stopped at liberation of Kuwait because of legal limits and political calculations.
- Allowing Iraq to retain its regime shaped subsequent regional turmoil and controversy over that decision.