We hear so much of wars that do not work out for the better, but this is a case where clear, lasting success was achieved but little was ever heard. Operation Oman tells the story of the Dhofar War, one of those cases where much good was done but little was ever said. The film reminds us of how those that pay the ultimate sacrifice do so with the aim of making a better life for others, and for this reason it is an important work. As the key supporting nation in this war, Britain should be proud of the contribution made in winning a lasting peace in Oman. This film's value is that it helps inspire this long due pride.
In every sense, Operation Oman is a first-rate documentary. It combines extensive in-location footage, superb archival material showing the many facets of the conflict, and intimate personal interviews with some of the veterans that fought the war. Historically, it gives a good overview of the conflict and is historically consistent with the 700+ pages of primary source accounts and declassified documentation that I recently read on the war for my staff college advanced program classes. In fact, I got together with my classmates and rented it on Vimeo. All of us thoroughly enjoyed the additional perspective it provided.
Many sober thoughts from this, a valuable perspective on not only this war, but all wars - particularly those that we don't often hear to much about.
