SITREP 18 DEC 2014

(First broadcast on Thursday 18th December 2014 at 4.30pm, and 18.30)

It’s been quite a year for global events and this week Sitrep looks back at some of the big stories the programme has covered in 2014, including ISIS, Ukraine and Climate change. 

And as we head towards 2015 with a General Election on the way - what’s in store for British Forces?

Find out in this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and guests.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK : Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee, the BBC’s diplomatic Editor, Bridget Kendall and Professor Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford.

Russian tanks are back in Ukraine, so what’s Putin’s long term plan & what can NATO do?

British troops complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan so who’s left to make the peace work?

Ebola - How long can the army stay in Sierra Leone?

And we hear from a man whose business is Remembrance all year round

PRESENTER THIS WEEK : Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee & former

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

BBC’s Diplomatic Editor Bridget Kendall discussing Russia and Ukraine.

BFBS reporter Fiona Weir interview with Commander of the British Forces, Brigadier James Stopford.

Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois talking to Josella Waldron

Steve Douglas who runs the British Grenadier Bookshop in Ypres?

……………………………………………………………………………

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

Are technology companies trailing in the wake of cyber terrorists?

The American diplomatic who says the US/UK relationship really is “special”

Plus, what lessons can we learn from the Western Front?

And 25 years, the impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK : Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee & former

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

The former director of GCHQ, Professor Sir David Omand.

The American Ambassador to London, Matthew Barzun

BFBS presenter, Steve Britton.

British troops are on their way to Sierra Leone to help in the fight against Ebola but is the world’s reaction too little, too late?

The Former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Richards talks tough on spending.

The Army prepares for Exercise Black Eagle in Poland.

And, the North Korean leader is back in action in North Korea…or is he?

.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

BBC’s Mark Doyle from the Ghanaian capital Accra, discussing the Ebola crisis.

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper reporting from RFA Argus before it departs for Africa.

Exercise Black Eagle with BFBS reporter Rob Olver

Former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Lord Richards speaking about Ebola, IS and defence spending.

Korean expert Andrea Berger from RUSI

………………………………………………………………………………………………

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee & Professor Paul Rogers from the department of peace studies at the University of Bradford.

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

BFBS reporter James Hirst, covering events in Westminster.

Tanya Abbraham from YouGov's political and social research team, on UK public opinion on airstrikes in Iraq & Syria.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

Obama says no boots on the ground in Iraq but his military chief says otherwise – who’s right?

How the military is trying to contain the Ebola threat.

And find out why Hitler’s desk is on display at a military museum in Dorset.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Michael Stathis,Professor of Political Science and
International Relations at the University of Southern Utah, on US strategy in Iraq.

Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics, discussing the brutality of Islamic State.

Hamish De Bretton Gordon, a former British army chemical weapons officer, talking about the Ebola threat and military involvement.

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper reporting from the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester on  one very unusual object:

………………………………………………………………………………………………

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

Find out how America’s going to deal with Islamic State and is Britain likely to join in?
 
It’s one week until Scotland votes Yes or No, Sitrep answers YOUR questions about the big day.
 
Plus: the latest phase in the British Army’s First World War commemorations
 
And it’s Game On for Invictus
 .
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Director General of the Royal United Services Institute, Professor Michael Clarke discussing IS and Scotland.
 
Dr Colin Fleming, who’s a Research Fellow at the Scottish Centre on Constitutional Change at the University of Edinburgh
 
BFBS reporter Steve Britton with the British Army in France as they continue to commemorate the First World War.
 
Royal Marine Cassidy Little at the Invictus Games.
 
………………………………………………………………………………………………
THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

(First broadcast on Thursday 4th September 2014 at 4.30pm on BFBS Radio 2)

**PAULA MIDDLEHURST IN FOR KATE GERBEAU THIS WEEK**
 
 
As NATO gathers in Wales for its most important summit in decades Sitrep looks at the main issues on the agenda; what can  Nato do to help solve the Ukraine-Russia crisis and how will the Alliance react to the global threat posed by Islamic State? And, are our leaders up to the challenge?
Find out in this week’s/today’s Sitrep; with analysis & reports throughout the programme.
 
PRESENTER: Paula Middlehurst,
 
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
BFBS reporter James Hirst at the Nato summit in Wales, and
Bridget Kendall, the BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent also at the Nato summit, discussing Russia-Ukraine.
 
BFBS reporter Tim Cooper speaking to Sir Christopher Meyer, former British Ambassador to Washington
 
Sir Tony Brenton, former ambassador to Moscow talking to James Hirst.
 
Former Ambassador to Syria Sir Andrew Green discussing the Middle East and IS.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website

(First broadcast on Thursday 28th August 2014 at 4.30pm)

Has Russia stepped up the chances of war in Europe?

The Islamic State continues its onslaught in Iraq, but how should the international community react?

Why is HMS Bulwark off to the Med?

And it’s the end of the line for HMS Illustrious, as supporters bid a fond farewell….

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee and Professor Michael Clarke, Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Former Chief of the Defence Staff General Lord Richards talking to BFBS reporter Rob Olver about IS, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan

BFBS reporter Rebecca Ricks interview with HMS Bulwark’s Commanding Officer, Captain Dean Bassett…

BFBS reporter Geoff Meade on board HMS Illustrious with  Lieutenant Richard Turrell, the Ship’s aircraft control room officer.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

Is the Islamic State about to kill another hostage and is there anything the United State and the UK can do about it?
 
What’s the current role of the RAF’s Tornado Squadron in Iraq?
 
And are Nigeria’s Islamist terrorists potential targets for the RAF?
 
Plus, NATO leaders are preparing for their summit next month – but is modern terrorism tearing up their plans in front of them?
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee and Major General Julian Thompson who commanded 3 Commando Brigade during the Falklands War. 
 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Simon Marks from feature Story News in Washington discussing US public opinion and President Obama’s position.
 
Professor Paul Rogers, from the Department for Peace Studies at Bradford University, discussing the crisis in Middle East and previewing Nato conference in Wales, in Septembe.
 
BFBS reporter Geoff Meade speaking to Group Captain Harvey Smith, The Commanding Officer at RAF Marham, about the role of the GR4 Tornado Squadron in Iraq.
 
 
 
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website

How did one Afghan gunman beat the security cordon and kill an American General?

How does the MOD consistently fail its veterans?

How is it that Twitter can get a Gaza ceasefire, when the world powers cannot?

What really started the First World War?

And 10 artefacts that tell the story of the conflict.

PRESENTER: James Hirst

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

 The Defence Editor of the Times, Deborah Haynes

Professor Paul Rogers, from the Department for Peace Studies at Bradford University

'BFBS Presenter Mikaela Roche, discussing her BFBS documentary “Artefacts and Armaments: Ten objects that tell the story of the First World War.” Will be broadcast Sunday 10^th August on BFBS Radio at 3pm.

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

(First broadcast on 31st July 2014 at 4.30pm)

Why the Defence committee says NATO needs radical reform.

Exercise Black Eagle…is the Cold War really on the way back?

The last crew member of the Enola Gay dies, but what turned him against nuclear warfare?

And – 100 years on – the world prepares to remember the Great War

PRESENTER: James Hirst

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Chair of The House of Commons Defence Committee, Rory Stewart, on its report  today on Nato.

Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, and former Foreign and Defence Secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind discussing Russia and Ukraine.

BFBS reporter Geoff Meade looking at Exercise Black Eagle which will take place in Poland

BFBS reporter Tim Cross, remembering the last surviving member of the air crew which dropped the atom bomb over Hiroshima in the Second World War, who died this week.

 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

The Ukraine air disaster….how will the world react?

What will it take to bring about  a cease-fire in Gaza?

Why are Muslims under represented in the Armed Forces?  The Defence Secretary tells Sitrep he wants to boost numbers.

And…a fond farewell to HMS Illustrious as she sails home…for the last time.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau 

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

Professor Paul Rogers, from the Department for Peace Studies at Bradford University discussing the Ukraine air disaster as well as the  Israel/ Gaza security situation.

BFBS reporter Charlotte Cross, reporting from the launch of the first Armed Forces Muslim Forum

Mike Critchley, the publisher of Warships World magazine discussing HMS Illustrious’ history in Service

………………………………………………………………………………………………

THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) 

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) 

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

Do British Airports really face terrorist attacks and will the switch on policy really work?
 
Find out why MI6 wants to see your emails and text messages.
 
A British General says NATO must boost defences against Russia – but the defence secretary says no way.
 
And why Headley Court is moving South to a new home.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Malcolm Chalmers, RUSI’s Director of UK defence policy, discussing the RAF and air power.
 
BFBS reporter James Hirst speaking to Surgeon General for the Defence medical Services – Air Marshall Paul Evans.
 
Brigadier Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers' Charity, talking about Headley Court’s new location.
 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website

If the Middle East is the biggest current threat to world stability, what will we be worrying about in 30 years?
 
It’s Navy week on Sitrep and the First Sea Lord tells the Government one carrier isn’t enough, give us two and we’ll do the job.
 
And find out why the new Carrier’s being named with a bottle of Whiskey…
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee and Eric Grove, Professor of Naval History and fellow in security studies at  Liverpool Hope University
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
Admiral Lord West former first First Sea Lord discussing Naval power with BFBS reporter James Hirst
 
BFBS reporter Ali Gibson takes a look on board the new carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Sky Channel 0211
 
Alternatively listen again on the website

In this week's programme....(19 June)
 
Iraq wants military help from America – but will they get it and what will it achieve?
 
Sitrep speaks to the former head of the British Army General Sir Mike Jackson about Britain’s legacy in Iraq.
 
Why the head of NATO has said ‘no’ to more defence cuts.
 
And the art of the military tattoo.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee.
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Professor Paul Rogers from the Department for Peace Studies at Bradford University on Iraq, Iran and Nato
 
Former Chief of the General SGeneral Sir Mike Jackson discussing the crisis in Iraq
 
BFBS reporter James Hirst interview with The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
 
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Shervington, the Commanding Officer of 3 Para, explaining the difference between civilian tattoos and military tattoos
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
THURSDAYS at 4:30 UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and at 6:30 UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

Obama's big foreign policy speech - where does Britain fit in? 

How much does it cost for the UK to go to war these days?

In Afghanistan, Sandhurst in the Sand prepares to welcome its first female recruits.

And it's D Day minus eight.  Counting down to next week's 70th anniversary.

This week, Sitrep finds out how three Generals are preparing for the future and Army 2020?

Could Syria have biological weapons and what impact could that have on the Geneva talks?

The State of the Union – what are President Obama’s plans for 2014?

Plus: a security warning to Britain’s Olympic athletes as they prepare for Sochi

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

BFBS Reporter, James Hirst, discussing the interviews with:

General Officer Commanding 1 Div, Major General James Chiswell

GOC Germany – John Henderson

Major General Nick Pope

weapons consultant and former commanding officer of the UK's joint chemical Biological radiological nuclear regiment Hamish De Bretton Gordon, on Syria

The BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent Bridget Kendall, who has been following the Syrian talks in Geneva

Gena Turgel speaking to BFBS reporter Laura Hawkins about her time in various concentration camps, in the week the world remembers the Holocaust./

The final round of armed forces redundancies have been announced…so what shape does this leave our Army in?
 
The long road to peace in Syria – has the journey begun?
 
Why the EU wants to send troops to the Central African Republic
 
And ‘Row to Recovery’ -  how four British soldiers completed the gruelling three thousand mile row across the Atlantic.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
BFBS Reporter James Hirst on redundancies
Professor Rosemary Hollis, Professor of Middle East Policy Studies and Director of the Olive Tree Scholarship Programme at City University.
 
BFBS  reporter Cath Brazier

Is Robert Gates right to criticize Britain’s defence capabilities?

What’s going on behind the scenes in Syria and will the West have to talk to Assad?

And….who’s odds on favourite to take over the Chair of the Commons Defence Committee?

Plus,  deathbed remorse from the inventor of the AK – 47  - but who else lived to regret their invention?

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

The Times’  Correspondent Michael Evans – talking about Robert Gates’ comments on Britain’s defence capabilities

Sir Andrew Green, former ambassador to Syria

BBC’s political correspondent, Rob Watson on the Defence Committee

Dr Paul Rogers, from the Department for Peace Studies at Bradford University discussing the AK47

Find out about the book that's causing a stir in The White House & why President Obama's coming under fire over Afghanistan - from one of his own statesmen.

What’s behind the escalation of violence in Iraq? 

Does the Armed Forces Covenant actually work?  

And why Putin's mobilizing his troops ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

Simon Marks, chief correspondent of Feature Story News discussing Robert Gates’ memoirs & increasing violence in Iraq

Chair  of the House of Commons Defence Committee

James Arbuthnot discussing the Armed Forces Covenant

BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, Bridget Kendall talking about the forthcoming winter Olympics in Russia

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) 

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website