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Deep Dive: Secrets & Deals (2022)

Film Lens

Secrets & Deals
In 1971, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE gained independence from British rule, marking a significant shift in the Middle East. This film, produced by BBC News Persia and BBC Arabic, investigates the complex and often hidden agreements that facilitated this decolonization. It includes first-hand accounts of a British-organized coup and examines the implications of Iran's control over disputed islands in the Persian Gulf. The documentary provides a detailed look at the political maneuvers and oil industry interests that shaped the region during the 1970s. Through interviews and archival footage, it reveals the intricate web of foreign diplomacy and colonial legacies that influenced the independence movements in these Gulf states.

Why Watch

  • Watch first-hand accounts of a British-organized coup.
  • See how oil interests shaped Gulf independence.
  • Find out about Iran's control over disputed islands.

Did You Know

In 1971, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE became fully independent states.
The film discusses a British-organized coup that took place in the region.
Iran was left in control of disputed islands after the decolonization.

Perfect For

Middle East historyBritish colonialismOil industry politics