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Episode 1

Episode 1 of 2

Two-part series telling the story of Britain's war in Afghanistan starts by examining the buildup to the conflict, revealing a story of confused aims.

Eight years ago the British Army arrived in Helmand in Afghanistan confident they could keep the peace, defeat the Taliban and rebuild the impoverished province. Now Britain's troops are leaving - 453 have given their lives. This two-part series tells the story of the conflict in Afghanistan and asks what has been achieved and whether, after such a bruising experience, the British have the will to fight in distant lands again.

Part one examines the buildup to the conflict and reveals a story of misplaced hope and confused aims that quickly led to the very real threat of a catastrophic defeat.

1 hour

Last on

Sun 4 Sep 202222:00
BBC Four

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Episode 2

See all episodes from Afghanistan: The Lion's Last Roar?

Music Played

  • Steen1

    Hipaisu Ikuisuutta

Credits

Executive ProducerDenys Blakeway
DirectorRichard Sanders
ProducerRichard Sanders

Broadcasts

  • Sun 26 Oct 201421:00
    BBC Two except Wales
  • Sun 26 Oct 201422:30
    BBC Two Wales
  • Thu 30 Oct 201423:20
    BBC Two except Northern Ireland & Scotland
  • Thu 30 Oct 201423:50
    BBC Two Scotland & Northern Ireland only
  • Fri 28 Nov 201400:50
    BBC Two except Northern Ireland & Scotland
  • Fri 28 Nov 201401:20
    BBC Two Northern Ireland
  • Fri 28 Nov 201401:35
    BBC Two Scotland
  • Sun 4 Sep 202222:00
    BBC Four