BFBS Radio Sitrep

After a difficult week in Afghanistan  Sitrep looks at the main political and military challenges facing Nato.

Could an independent Scotland defend itself without help from the UK

Is Afghanistan set to become cricket’s next powerhouse?

And Paddy Ashdown on the Cockleshell heroes

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee   

INTERVIEWS:

Professor Paul Rogers, from the University of Bradford on Afghanistan.

Professor Malcolm Chalmers, Director of Research at the

Royal United Services Institute discussing implications for Scottish independence.

Lord Ashdown talking about his new book “A Brilliant Operation”, about the Cockleshell heroes.

The BBC’s Cricket Correspondent, Jonathan Agnew in Sri Lanka, on Afghanistan’s cricket team.

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

What the proposed merger between Bae & EAD means for British defence.

What's behind the assassination of the American ambassador to Libya?

Why Syria’s future depends on the action of a neighbouring NATO country.

And find out why the Iranians are accusing the West of stealing their rainclouds...

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee   

Middle East analyst Hazhir Teimourian

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee   

Interviews: 

Defence Consultant Dr Alex Ashbourne-Warmsley

Former ambassador to Syria, Oliver Miles

Robert Tait, Iranian specialist.

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP September 6th
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee  
 
After the Prime Minister’s re-shuffle who are the new, key people at the Ministry of Defence?
 
Find out what President Obama is promising for another term in the White House.
 
Why there’s trouble on the streets of Belfast.
 
And– what it’s like to be a Muslim soldier in today's British Army?
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee  
 
Interviews:
Michael Clarke, Director of RUSI on re-shuffle & cyber security
Simon Marks of Feature Story News, at the Democrat convention in Carolina, USA
Analyst Alan Murray on Northern Ireland
Lt Col Peter Stradins, head of Army diversity
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP August 30th
 
How will this week’s green-on-blue attacks in Afghanistan affect post-2014 withdrawal?
 
As the US Presidential election campaign heats up - what is the foreign & defence policy strategies of the Democrat and the Republicans parties?
 
Why there’s growing concern over Mali in Africa.
 
And why there’s such a close bond between the Paralympics and the military.
 
PRESENTER:  Glen Mansell
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee  
 
Interviews:
BBC’s Quentin Sommerville in Kabul on Afghanistan
Patrick Smith, Editor of Africa Confidential, discussing Mali
Matthew Jamison from RUSI talking about the forthcoming US elections
British Forces News reporter Tim Cooper on the Paralympics
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP August 23rd
 
Britain and the United States warn Syria over chemical weapons, while the Israelis watch with concern
 
Why drones are the weapons of choice for a slimmed down armed forces
 
Plus…How well are injured personnel cared for by the NHS?
 
 
PRESENTER:  David Spencer
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee  
 
Interviews:
Professor Paul Rogers, Dept of Peace Studies at Bradford University discussing Syria, Iran and Israel.
 
Chris Cole (author of a blog Drones War UK) and Andrew Brookes, Director of The Air League discussing drones.
 
Sue Freeth, Head of Operations at the Royal British Legion on the care of injured Servicemen and women.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP August 16th
 
Is the Armed Forces breaching it's own covenant through their treatment of commonwealth veterans?
 
Will the actions of the group Pussy Riot spark further protests in Russia?
 
Plus we examine Russia's relationship with Syria and the growing influence from China.
 
And we recognise the achievements of a Naval convoy in Malta during the second world war.
 
PRESENTER:  Glen Mansell
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee & Dr Martin MaCauley from University College London.
 
Interviews:
James Hirst has the opinion of Veterans Aid Chief Executive about the treatment of commonwealth soldiers and examines the cases of Isimeli Baleiwai and Kaedon White
 
Tim Cooper reports from Valetta on the First Sea Lord's visit to Malta this week in honour of the Navy's service there 70 years ago.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

How vital is  the battle for Aleppo in deciding Syria’s future?

Why drones are taking over the skies in  Afghanistan

Find out the special qualities that former Service personnel bring to civvy street

And why there’s still a strong fascination for the Second World War after more than 70 years

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee   

Interviews:

Professor Fawaz Gerges on Syria & Egypt

Brtiish Forces News’ reporter Carla Prater in Camp Bastion talking about drones.

Tony Ward, MD or Force 10 Recruitment.

British Forces News’ reporter James Hirst interviews the PM David Cameron

Historian Anthony Beevor on his new book, the Second World War

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP August 2nd
 
With the help of The Army team GB won its first Gold yesterday – but how difficult is it to combine your military career with sporting ambition?
 
How the Olympic Truce strives to bring global peace through sport
 
What’s the wider impact of the Syrian civil war on the Middle East?
 
And why British troops in Germany commemorate the Battle of Minden  
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee  
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP July 26th
 
Could there be military intervention in Syria’s civil war
 
What are British troops doing in Somalia?
 
Are young soldiers getting the education they deserve?
 
And why sport is so important to the Army, Navy and RAF
 
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee  
 
Professor Paul Rogers, Dept of Peace Studies at Bradford University
 
Jerome Starkey, The Times African correspondent
 
Richard Clarke, director of Child Soldiers
 
Major General Chris Elliot Director of The Army Sports Control Board
 
BFN reporter Jon Knighton on the Olympics and Forces British Forcse involvement
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP July 19th
 
Is it the beginning of the end for Syria’s President Assad & his regime?
 
In Afghanistan, PM David Cameron has a stern message for the Taliban
 
After the G4S fiasco just how secure are the London Olympics?
 
And find out the story behind the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of *Mirbat
 
(*PRO: Mur-bat)
 
 
 
PRESENTER:  Glen Mansell
 
STUDIO GUEST:  
BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee and the Director of The Royal United Services Institute: Professor Michael Clarke
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.
 

SITREP July 12th
 
Is it asking too much for the Army to provide last minute Olympic security?
 
Why Mali in North Africa could be the new Afghanistan
 
Why reforming the House of Lords would be bad news for defending defence
 
And how the weather has helped us win and lose wars……..
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
Dr Martin Macauley from University College London on Mali & Afghanistan
 
Interviews
 
Col Richard Kemp, former commander in Afghanistan on troops providing Olympic security
 
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell on Afghanistan
 
Admiral Lord West, former Sea Lord, on House of Lords reform
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP July 5th

There are big changes ahead for the Army with the loss of some units and the merger of others

But will the new shape of the British Army be the right one to secure an uncertain future?

The Territorial Army will increase its numbers but can the reserves really provide the support that’s needed?

And what impact will the news have on families ?

Find out in a special edition of Sitrep, today on BFBS

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

Interviews

General Sir Mike Jackson Tel

Col Richard Williams, former SAS Commander in Iraq and Afghanistan; and reserve forces  specialist

Doug Beattie (TA soldier):

From the Army Families Federation:  Catherine Spencier

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

In Northern Ireland a symbolic handshake moves peace forward
 
After nearly 70 years the heroes of Bomber Command finally get their memorial
 
The concerns of Pakistan as Nato prepares for transition
 
And could Syria’s attack on a Turkish plane ignite the conflict
 
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
Interviews
 
Lord Ashdown on the significance of the Queen & Martin McGuiness shaking hands.
British Forces News reporter Rosie Laydon interviews Pakistan's High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hassan
Sky's Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay on Syria
British Forces News reporter James Hirst and Annie Haresign on Bomber Command memorial
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP June 21st

Can diplomacy be the solution for Syria or would immunity for Assad be a better option?

Why is the Government investing in Trident when its future remains uncertain?

How the future equipment of the Army will determine the shape of the Armed Forces for years to come

What affect will the proposed changes bring to Forces’ pensions?

And find out why the Dalai Lama has been to Aldershot today…..

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

Interviews

Sir Andrew Green, former ambassador to Syria

Professor Eric Grove of Salford University on Trident

British Forces News reporter Will Inglis interviewing Major General Carew wilks, Director Land Equipment.

Major General John Moore-Bick, secretary general of the Forces Pension Society

British Forces News reporter Tim Cooper at Aldershot

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

 It's 30 years today since British Forces liberated the Falkland Islands from Argentina.  In a special edition of Sitrep Kate Gerbeau and Matt Teale reflect on the conflict.  They’ll be speaking to the Governor of the Falkland Islands and the man who’s in charge of British Forces today. Plus, hear from the Royal Marine Commander who made victory possible. … And find out what will happen when the future of the Islands is discussed at the United Nations later on today 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee & Major General Julian Thompson

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP June 7th

The Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond tells Sitrep how future cuts will change the shape of the British Army

Are the US Drone strikes in Pakistan giving terrorists propaganda to recruit new members?

How British trained troops in  Sierra Leone are helping another war-torn African country

And the Ceremonial Director of the Diamond Jubilee procession shares his memories of the day and his hopes for future events.

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

GUESTS:

Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond

Washington correspondent Simon Marks on the Drone attacks

BFBS News reporter Ali Gibson on Sierra Leone

Maj Andrew Chatburn, the Ceremonial Director in charge of the Diamond Jubilee procession

Capt Alex Owen form the Household Cavalry Mounted Regt which took part in the Diamond Jubilee procession

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Syria edges closer to civil war but what can the international community do about it?

There's a stark warning about the Taliban's plans during Nato's exit from Afghanistan.

Why Russia objects to Nato's missile defence

And the Queen celebrates 60 years as head of the armed forces.

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

What measures are being taken to prevent Iran extending its nuclear programme?

What happened at the Nato Summit and how it will affect the future of British Forces

Why Amnesty International has condemned the UN in it’s report.

Memories from Royal Marines & Paratroopers as they return to the Falklands to remember 1982 & landing day

And never mind the singing – find out why the Eurovision song contests is all about the politics

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

INTERVIEWS

Professor Paul Rogers, Dept of Peace Studies at Bradford University discussing Iran/Afghanistan/Amnesty & Egyptian elections

BFBS Reporter James Hirst on the Nato Summit

BFBS Reporter Charlotte Cross in the Falkland Islands

Dr Karen Fricker, on the geo-politics of the Eurovision Song Contest

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP Trail May 17th
 
What’s on Nato’s agenda as it prepares for the Chicago Summit next week?
 
General Mladic is on trial at the Haig for war crimes – but what measures are in place to prevent another atrocity happening & can anyone ever escape war crimes?
 
How depth therapy is helping the rehabilitation of injured servicemen
 
And the forgotten Battles of Scotland – why should they be remembered?
 
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
INTERVIEWS
 
Sir Malcolm Rifkind previewing the Nato summit in Chicago next week, & discussing European financial crisis and war crimes.
 
Forces News reporter James Hirst on  Nato's forthcoming summit
 
Colonel Bob Stewart on war crimes
 
Forces News reporter Fiona Weir on depth therapy for servicemen
 
Dr Tony Pollard of Glasgow Univesity on Scotland's forgotten battles.
 
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP Trail May 10th

There's been a U-turn over which planes to use on the Carriers - but is it the right decision?

Why there's anger in Scotland over plans to lose some historic regimental names

Why France's new President-elect wants to speed up the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan.

And the new memorial to Bomber Command is nearing completion - but why has it taken so long?

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

INTERVIEWS

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond on the Carriers

The Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Jim Murphy, on Carriers and proposed cuts to Scottish regiments.

BBC's Paris correspondent, Hugh Schofield, discussing the new President elect

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.