Once Upon a Time in Iraq

Often, it is considered the worst thing to do nothing in the face of evil. But if we can only make things worse, then to do nothing is our duty. The tragedy of the West's involvement in Iraq is that, even if we take the interventionists claims of the best motives at face value, then the result was a predictable disaster, ruining the country and leading to part of it falling under the control of ISIS, an organisation that made Saddam Hussein's Ba'aath party seem benign in comparison. This series, comprising a series of interviews with Iraqis and Americans, is horrific and compelling. Perhaps the most interesting bits were the account of an American commander, slowly losing control (and with it, his ability to see the bigger picture); and the account of the semi-lawless execution of Saddam. The final chapter, the rise of ISIS, is sickening but no longer surprising. If the world is ever to be a better place, there are lessons here that no-one should be allowed to forget; but I fear another generation of would-be messiahs will in turn create their own wake of martyrs.

I was glued to my seat throughout each episode. This excellent documentary series gives an essential insight into the reality of the Iraq war. Honest, open interviews with civilians and soldiers are often stirring and sinister, but no matter the side they are on, their humanity along with their flaws are laid bare. I hope that both American and British politicians of those of the era including Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bush and Blair watch this, along with their current counterparts.

So sad. Hard to watch even harder to understand why. Why?

Just finished the last episode of this amazing but heartbreaking series. Having been a part of the initial invasion back in March 2003 when I was in the British army, I have had a whole mixture of emotions watching this documentary. All those years ago I sort of knew what we were doing wasn't right. And then not even 2 weeks into the war when friends were killed, I certainly hated Tony Blair for sending us to Iraq. But it was still my job, and I was always proud of what I'd done in the army. What this series has done so brilliantly though, is capture the huge consequences of war through the eyes of its people. Beautifully told, it Shows you the harrowing stories of what people have had to endure, and the complete destruction of a nation in a 15 year bloody and horrific period. Just as any great film does, it has certainly had an impact on me. And has left me feeling slightly numb with the realisation that along with the U.S, we really did start a chain of awful and terrible events.

This is a series everybody should see, certainly a mr Blair and Bush, who should probably be in prison for war crimes.

Heartbreaking, brilliant and a must watch!

If you only watch one documentary series this year please please please watch this, it's absolutely heartbreaking for both sides.