War Spin

How dramatic was the saving of Private Jessica?

War Spin was broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday, 18 May, 2003 at 1915 BST.

Saving Private Jessica: Fact or fiction?

Correspondent challenges the Pentagon's version of a story that boosted American morale during a sticky point in the Iraq War as part of its investigation into allied propaganda.

Doctors reveal how Iraqi forces had left the hospital well before American special forces arrived with their Black Hawks and video crew.

John Kampfner also traces the roots of the controversial tactic of embedding cameras and reporters with military units to the Hollywood blockbusters Pearl Harbour and Black Hawk Down.

The aim was to capture images that would swing public opinion behind the war here and in the US and encourage Iraqis to believe Saddam's grip had loosened before it actually had.

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Reporter: John Kampfner
Producer: Sandy Smith
Editor: Karen O'Connor