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Whatever Happened to the War Song?

Are there no protest songs about war any more? Reporters' stories about Nashville, Gaza, Kabul, Achill Island in the west of Ireland and Delhi.

Back in the days of the Vietnam War the airwaves were full of protest songs. Today, plenty of conflict, but none of those songs. Humphrey Hawksley's been to Nashville to find out why. Jeremy Bowen's just been to Gaza, Syria and Iraq and reflects on what the fighting there might achieve. Caroline Wyatt's been reporting on global conflicts for seven years in her role as Â鶹Éç Defence Correspondent. One question she's frequently been asked about war is: was it all worth it? The Irish economy may once again be gathering strength, but John Murphy, in the west of the republic, finds that emigration is taking its toll on rural life. And how difficult is it to go off for a swim? In the Indian capital Delhi, as Anu Anand's been finding out, it's VERY difficult.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 19 Jul 2014 11:30

Chapters

  • Jeremy Bowen - Reflections on war

    Where now for the Middle East after thirty years of conflict?

    Duration: 05:28

  • Caroline Wyatt – Was it all worth it?

    A defence correspondent on war and reporting war

    Duration: 04:52

  • Humphrey Hawksley – Whatever happened to the war song?

    Plenty of conflict – but no-one’s singing about it these days

    Duration: 05:35

  • John Murphy - Taking its toll on rural Ireland

    Emigration is steadily eroding Irish country life

    Duration: 05:17

  • Anu Anand

    Elbows and handbags at dawn if you want membership for this place

    Duration: 05:56

Broadcast

  • Sat 19 Jul 2014 11:30