Themes from the 70s. A series of ten programmes 5: An Elusive Peace
'This visit is a real success for both countries, and for the cause of peace....'
(PRIME MINISTER BEGIN Of Israel on the occasion of President Sadat's visit to Jerusalem, Nov 1977)
It has been a decade of extremes in the Middle East, from the October war of 1973 to the dramatic relaxation of tension between Israel and Egypt after President Sadat's historic journey to Jerusalem in 1977. But the issue of autonomy for the Palestinians of the West Bank remains unresolved, and there's continuing instability in Lebanon, as well as political uncertainty in Syria and Iraq.
In spite of the enthusiasm of Camp David, comprehensive peace remains as elusive as ever.
With contributions from many of the figures involved - including President Sadat, King Hussein. and Israeli leaders-Edward Mortimer looks at ten years of the search for peace in the Middle East. Producer JOHN KING