The BBC's Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen explores the causes, the events and the unfinished business of the 1967 War in the Middle East.

Forty years on, he travels to Israel, the Palestinian territories, Egypt, Syria and Jordan to talk to some of the key players, and to show how 1967 and its legacy has shaped what is happening in the region today.

Part One: Brink of War

After the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, there was a sense of unfinished business in the region.

On the eve of war, Arab civilians believed propaganda broadcasts from Gamal Abdel-Nasser's Egypt promising an easy victory over Israel; for Israeli citizens there was the feeling of anticipation of terrible defeat.

But the Israeli capability was underestimated - and Arab generals thought so too.

How did the Middle East find itself on the brink of war on June 4 1967?

This Radio 4 series, also available on World Service, was first broadcast in May 2007



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