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Why did the US and UK really go to war in Iraq? And what is the legacy? The BBC’s security analyst Gordon Corera speaks to those at the heart of the decision-making.

Why did the US want regime change in Iraq? Was it really about the threat of terrorists getting hold of weapons of mass destruction after the September 11th 2001 attacks, or was the desire much deeper? And what was the British government's reaction?

This series was first broadcast in March 2023, to mark the 20th anniversary of the war in Iraq.

Presenter: Gordon Corera
Series Producer: John Murphy
Producers: Ellie House, Claire Bowes
Sound Designer: Eloise Whitmore, Naked Productions
Production coordinators: Janet Staples, Brenda Brown
Series Editor: Penny Murphy

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19 minutes

Last on

Tue 10 Mar 202600:30
BBC Radio 4

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2. The Commitment

See all episodes from Shock and War: Iraq 20 Years On

Broadcasts

  • Mon 13 Mar 202313:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 10 Jul 202309:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 9 Mar 202611:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 10 Mar 202600:30
    BBC Radio 4 FM

10 new things we’ve learned about the Iraq war and its legacy

10 new things we’ve learned about the Iraq war and its legacy

Security correspondent Gordon Corera speaks to those at the heart of the decision-making.

Podcast