In this episode, Simon Collis CMG interviewed by the CWD's Nic Coombs discusses his experiences in the Middle East as former British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Qatar. Simon discusses the craft of diplomacy giving fascinating insights into warfare in the region, religious strife, human rights and the role of the diplomat in representing their country's interests.
Simon Collis CMG joined the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1978 and after studying Arabic has served mainly in the Middle East and South Asia. In addition to his ambassadorial appointments, he was British Consul-General in Dubai and in Basra. Simon has also served in Tunis, New Delhi and Amman.
Nic Coombs is also a former member of HM Diplomatic Service principally working in or on the Middle East. He has served in Amman, and twice in Riyadh. Nic has particular interests in Saudi Arabia, salafism and sectarianism, and the practice of diplomacy. He was a Teaching Fellow in PPR at Lancaster University and is a member of the CWD.
For more information on the CWD including events, research and news see: lancaster.ac.uk/cwd
Music credit: Kai Engel, 'Flames of Rome', Calls and Echoes (Southern's City Lab, 2014).