Part 3 of BBC doco by Norma Percy and co on the history and relationship beween Iran and the West.
This episode focuses on more recent events from the 1990′s to the present day. Economic sanctions by the US on Iran have been in place during this period where Iran has tried to develop it’s nuclear industry. Terrorism and the subsequent US led invasions of Afganistan and Iraq increased the diplomatic tension. Following President Bush’s announcement that Iran was on the “axis of evil” list further worsened relations and another invasion was on the cards.
The documentary shows the efforts of European diplomats to encourage the first baby steps to a compromise between the hardline stance of both American and Iran leaders which would ultimately prove unsuccessful. The weight of this history will make this future challenge all the more difficult.