By April MacIntyre Jun 22, 2009, 2:10 GMT
National Geographic Channel's no miss documentary "Iran and the West" airs on Monday, June 22, 2009.
This two-hour special includes fascinating historical footage and more than 40 rare, thought-provoking interviews. History buffs and those alive during the Jimmy Carter years who witnessed the Iranian hostage crisis first-hand will appreciate the careful research and interviews prepared that show all the political maneuverings and never before told tales of behind-the-scenes negotiations during those terrible times. You will also see a young Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, then a college student in the throngs of Iranian protesters who took part in taking the Americans hostage.EPA/STR
NGC producers used first-person testimonials to present comprehensive and compelling perspectives on Iran’s turbulent relationship with the West and what may lie ahead.
This particular documentary program comes at an especially timely juncture, providing a comprehensive look at the complex history of the relationship between Iran and the West.
This two-hour special includes fascinating historical footage and more than 40 rare, thought-provoking interviews. History buffs and those alive during the Jimmy Carter years who witnessed the Iranian hostage crisis first-hand will appreciate the careful research and interviews prepared that show all the political maneuverings and never before told tales of behind-the-scenes negotiations during those terrible times. You will also see a young Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, then a college student in the throngs of Iranian protesters who took part in taking the Americans hostages.
The fallout after the hostage crisis was severe. Iranian assets were seized worldwide, and those wealthy Iranians who were friends of the Shah, including his relatives, wound up in the United States and Europe. The crisis also helped Ronald Reagan secure his presidency, and a whole new level of frost set between the USA and Iran.
According to Nat Geo, this was hailed as “documentary-making at its best" by The Economist, as this landmark special takes viewers inside the top-secret meetings and public declarations that shaped the last three decades of the complex relationship.
This documentary exposes the forces that led to the current volatile state of affairs we are seeing in the news today. It also reveals the critical timelines of this nuclear-seeking Middle Eastern nation and how and why it evolved into a strong supporter of Islamic terrorists in the region. It also illuminates why Iran is so crucial to Western interests and world stability today.
Viewers will hear directly from the key officials on both sides, including former Iranian Presidents Rafsanjani and Khatami; former U.S. President Jimmy Carter; former Vice President Walter Mondale; former Secretaries of State George Shultz, Warren Christopher, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell; other high-level U.S., European and Iranian officials; and notable Iran experts and foreign policy specialists.
“Birth of Hezbollah” – A look at the circumstances surrounding the founding of Hezbollah.
Video “Confusion Over Iran” – In 1978, the shah of Iran receives an ambiguous message from the United States on how to respond to the revolution.
Video “Iran and Diplomacy” – European leaders attempt to negotiate a compromise with Iran that the U.S. won't support.
Video “Albright in the U.N.” – Madeline Albright tells of sitting face-to-face with a representative of Iran's government at the U.N. -- but who is he?
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