TV Times - 26 July - 1 August 2008

This weeks pick begins a two part exploration of the evolution of the car bomb, commencing with its first use by an alleged anarchist to kill more than 40 Wall Street workers in the 1920's.

Submitted by Lone Wolf on July 25, 2008

Other highlights include an analysis of alternatives to fossil fuels, a study of the practice of female circumcision in Kenya and the beginning of a four part dramatised telling of Saddam Hussein's murderous rise to power.

Pick of the Week :rb:
Sunday 27 July - 7 - 8pm - Channel 4 - Car Bomb - 1/2
This two-part documentary from the makers of "Cult of the Suicide Bomber" is presented by former CIA operative Robert Baer who is filmed travelling the world following the evolution of this simplest but most deadly of weapons. Terrifyingly easy to assemble and devastating in consequence, the first instance of a car bomb referred to dates back to the 1920's when (allegedly!) an Italian "anarchist" steered a horse-drawn cart into Wall Street, killing more than 40 people.

Monday 28 July - 8.30 - 9pm - BBC1 - Panorama - Can We Afford To Fill Up?
In an era where fossil fuels are running low and petrol and diesel prices are increasing rapidly, the Panorama team here investigate some of the alternatives. Jane Corbin also asks if the government will stick to its allegedly green laurels regarding fuel and car tax or back down in order to secure otherwise irate drivers' votes.

Tuesday 29 July - 10 - 11.40pm - More4 - True Stories: The Day I'll Never Forget
This detailed, moving examination of the practice of female circumcision in Kenya forms another impressive addition to this highly regarded documentary canon.

Wednesday 30 July - 9 - 10pm - BBC2 - House of Saddam - 1/4
This major new drama series charting the rise and fall of the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein begins in March 2003, with Saddam enthroned in Baghdad watching a televised broadcast by George W. Bush promising his nation that he would "vanquish this tyrant" and that he would "soon be gone". A flashback to 1979 is now shown in which we begin to chart the then deputy leaders rise to power. This new series has been compared to the "Godfather" in tone as, in like vein, we view the inner machinations of the man's family life and how other family members are affected by his decision making as well, of course, as the world at large. We see the appalling consequences of Saddam's paranoia and megalomania as practiced in this microcosm; we see him, for example, "expropriating" the wife of one of his circle and also see him ordering the execution of some of his best generals.

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