About this season
Two-part documentary about the Gulf War
Episodes (4)
1. Invasion
Aired 7 January 1996
Saddam Hussein's decision to invade Kuwait in 1990, and George Bush Snr's failure to prevent the crisis. Narrated by Ian Holm
2. Thunder and Lightning
Aired 9 January 1996
White House insiders discuss the passing of the midnight deadline on January 15 in 1991, and mission staff of SAS patrol Bravo Two Zero recall their gruelling exploits behind enemy lines
3. Desert Storm
Aired 14 January 1996
The expulsion of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, an objective the allies feared would cost the lives of thousands of their soldiers
4. The Ragged End
Aired 16 January 1996
The last programme in the series examines the decisive days of conflict, as Saddam Hussein's occupation of Kuwait came to an end. Norman Schwarzkopf reveals how he went into ceasefire talks with the Iraqis with little briefing from his political superiors, while Margaret Thatcher explains what she would have advised if still Prime Minister