Previewing America vs. Iraq

As we inch towards September, it is time for another batch of 9/11 themed specials and the National Geographic Channel is out front with America vs. Iraq, which may be one of the biggest results that can be contributed to that fateful day. Although it is odd they did not time the special with the tenth anniversary of the start of the Iraq War back in March. But here we are over ten years later even after “Mission Accomplished” and two presidents setting timetables for our departure.

What sets America vs. Iraq apart from previous installment is its level of access. Not only did it get new interviews from Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Prime Minister Tony Blair, General David Petraeus. And other top level officials, but the two hour special also talked to top Iraqis close to Saddam Hussein. This includes Saddam’s last foreign minister Naji Sabri, General Hussam Amin, Iraq’s liaison to UN weapons inspectors, General Raad Hamdani of the Iraqi National Guard, as well as Iraq’s three prime ministers since the fall of Saddam: Nouri al-Maliki, Ibrahim Jaafari, and Ayad Allawi. So for the first time, all sides discuses the war in Iraq.

The most interesting part of the two-hour special was the cat and mouse game being played by both sides, originally Saddam did not think America would invade, asking will humanity benefit from an invasion. But by the time the UN were sending in weapons inspectors, Saddam expected war because “America and Britain would never be satisfied.” Iraqi officials also claimed they did; indeed destroy all hidden weapons they were ordered to, of which would only have distance to reach Tehran. Without George W. Bush’s involvement, America vs. Iraq does feel a little incomplete but it still stands as the most comprehensive report on the war to date.

America vs. Iraq airs tonight at 9:00 on the National Geographic Channel.