Dyer is well known for promoting, rather than deflating, violence in his movies and tv shows, most of which focus on football hooliganism and organised crime. Dyer's personal understanding of the situation in the middle east is, as would be expected, poor. In the show, Dyer will start from a position of pure ignorance and attempt to enlighten himself as to why the conflict still rages on. Understanding, rather than peace, is Dyer's objective for the show. He accepted the project because he saw it as a personal challenge and a chance to prove that he can do more than just act tough.
Sky's blatant disregard for journalistic standards goes one step too far. Dyer will attempt to emulate Ross Kemp's program on a similar topic, but will ultimately fail. One of the advisers for the show is Dyer's good friend, actor Tamer Hassan. Hassan, of Turkish descent, participated in a correspondence course with the Open University on the subject of the Israei-Palestinian conflict. They are not quite the credentials of a seasoned and knowledgeable journalist or historian.
Already on facebook, hundreds of fans are excited at the potential entertainment value and have joined a group dedicated to the upcoming show.
I guess Robert Fisk was busy....
This article has been edited to remove incorrect material.
Fergal Hunter is a political analyst and blogger from Bath, England.
